The University College of Citizenship and Public Service (UCCPS) will host a Community Opportunities Fair today from 4 to 6 p.m. to search for new community service projects.
Omidyar Scholars, who receive substantial grants from the college, are required to complete annual community service projects. UCCPS administrators hope the fair, to be held in Dowling Hall, will give scholars ideas for projects due in the spring.
The fair is open to Omidyar Scholars only. They have invited community organizations to come for the two hours and speak about what they do so that scholars can choose whether they would like to work with them.
"It is an outlet for us to be able to take part in some of their projects," Omidyar Scholar Leslie Wang said.
More than 40 community groups, ranging from Project Soup, which addresses homelessness and hunger issues, to the Asian American Civic Association, which assists immigrants adapt to life in the US, were invited to the fair. Though UCCPS officials are unsure how many organizations will attend today, Wang said she hopes that other community groups will learn about the fair by word-of-mouth and show up.
Wang is among a minority of scholars who have already identified their primary projects. She is working with a program called "Building Bridges," in Chinatown to mentor school children.
Scholars must submit a one-paragraph project proposal by next Monday that outlines how they will fulfill the community service component of the Scholars program.
"This is a unique opportunity for Omidyar Scholars to connect with community organizations in Medford and Somerville and understand the areas where assistance is needed," a UCCPS press release stated.
The UCCPS describes the Omidyar Scholars as its "signature program" and hopes that by singling out a small group of student leaders, the college can build active citizenship on the Hill. eBay founder Pierre Omidyar (LA '88) and his wife Pam (LA '89) donated $10 million to the University to start the college in 1999.
The couple earmarked part of their gift for the Omidyar Scholars program. At the time, Pierre Omidyar said that programs such as the scholars effort create a "leveraging effect" and inspire others in the community to become active citizens.
"Not only are you going out there are doing public service, but others are seeing it and seeing how easy it is," Omidyar told the Daily last November.
In promoting active citizenship, Omidyar foundation applies business practices to the nonprofit world. Representatives from the Omidyar Foundation regularly meet with UCCPS administrators to monitor its progress
"We want to make a measurable difference. In order to do that, you have to be accountable, and the people you give money to have to be accountable," Mrs. Omidyar said in 1999.
