Mission and History

The Community Service Center (CSC) is Boston University’s welcoming space for service, leadership, education, and reflection.  In solidarity with our neighbors and community partners, we aim to:

• provide the Boston University community with opportunities to address and improve the critical concerns of Greater Boston,
• serve as a vehicle for personal growth and leadership,
• encourage students to be active and responsible citizens in neighboring communities,
• broaden the scope of the educational experience through service and reflection,
• and serve Greater Boston in a meaningful and mutually beneficial way.

Our History

The Community Service Center (CSC), originally called “The League” was founded by a group of Boston University students in 1986. These students wanted to address the critical issues facing Boston and started several volunteer programs under the leadership of Marsh Chapel.
By 1989, The League had 17 different programs including FYSOP, The Youth Tutoring Program (now known as Afterschool), Alternative Spring Breaks and Student Food Rescue. Over the years, interest in volunteering continued to grow with programs like Alternative Winter Break and the AIDS Support and Advocacy Program (now a part of Empowerment League). The League was renamed The Community Service Center in 1991, and moved to its current location on the 4th floor of the George Sherman Union in 1998.