Get Involved
Photo by Pete Mauney ’93 MFA ’00

Get Involved

These are just a few ways to get started with civic engagement at Bard. Want to learn more? Stop by the CCE offices in the Resnick Family Gatehouse or email [email protected].
Democracy Day

Democracy Day

Democracy Day features events and opportunities designed to educate incoming students on the importance of supporting democratic ideals and practices.  The day typically features a panel discussion on topics related to preserving democracy and teach-ins in various classes. Students can also participate in local civic engagement opportunities or action-focused workshops. 
Learn More About Democracy Day →

Civic Ambassadors

Civic Ambassadors

The Civic Ambassadors Program seeks to help Bard students, faculty, and staff better understand and connect with their communities. Whether you want to participate in our discussion groups, book clubs, community dinners, mutual aid support, volunteering opportunities, or simply wish to know more about what’s happening in the local, state, and federal government, the Civic Ambassadors can help!

Learn More About Civic Ambassadors
Start or Join a Project

Start or Join a Project

The Trustee Leader Scholar Program
The Trustee Leader Scholar Program (TLS) is a student leadership incubator at Bard College. Students design and run their own projects, from local partnerships with community organizations to annual international volunteer trips. You can join an established project or start your own with support from the TLS Office. Visit the second floor of the Campus Center or email [email protected].
Browse TLS Projects →

Opportunities to Get Involved

  • Election@Bard
    Election@Bard is a student-led initiative that helps students register to vote, provides ballot information, hosts candidate forums, and protects the rights of students to vote and have their votes counted.
  • Outreach Themes
    Bard students often connect community-based work with a personal passion or area of expertise. CCE supports special initiatives in the areas of math and science, the arts, and in partnership with Bard Athletics.
  • Community Partnerships
    Partnerships can take many forms, including internships, volunteer and community-based learning opportunities, joint projects, conferences, and research, as well as innovative cross-cultural and artistic initiatives.
  • Bard Prison Initiative
    The Bard Prison Initiative began as a student-led TLS project and has grown into a national force for prison education. Bard students can volunteer as tutors and support BPI’s advocacy efforts.
  • Civic Ambassadors
    The Civic Ambassadors organize working groups focused on current civic issues and seek to inform the Bard community about how local, state, and federal government works.
  • L&T Engagement
    Every August, incoming Bard first-year students participate in the Language and Thinking Program (L&T). L&T Engagement activities introduce new students to volunteer opportunities, student leadership projects, and much more.
Engaged Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses
Photo by Sarah Wallock ’19

Engaged Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses

Engaged Liberal Arts and Sciences (ELAS) courses bring theory to practice by linking coursework, critical thinking, and engagement activities. A form of experiential learning, ELAS courses allow students to test ideas in the real world and develop creative approaches to social, cultural, and scientific issues. 
More about ELAS →

Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference

Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference

The annual Get Engaged: Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference, organized by Bard College together with partners from GHEA21, brings together student leaders to develop community leadership skills and to collaborate on solutions to local and global challenges. 
Learn More →