Community Engagement

Mission statement

The goal of Community Engagement is to promote meaningful and impactful partnerships for students, staff and faculty within the wider Billings community. We aim to achieve this by developing student-centered initiatives that foster civic pride, stewardship and sustainability.

Community Engagement works closely with a diverse range of organizations. As a result, we can match you with an engagement opportunity that suits your needs and goals. Come and be part of the community-driven social change happening at Montana State University Billings.

Without the support of our communities, no institution of higher education can thrive

Volunteer programs and services

Whether you're looking to meet like-minded people or gain work experience in the non-profit sector, we can find the right opportunity for you at Montana State University Billings. Come and check out our active volunteer programs and services.

Service Saturday 2019/20

Low-commitment, high impact service projects aimed at connecting students, staff and faculty with non-profit community partners

Service Sting (Leaderboards)

Online tracking tool and leaderboard platform for volunteer and service hours. Submit your high scores for woot! (sweet loot)

Yellowjacket Emergency Pantry (YEP)

Student-focused food insecurity service offering non-perishables, hygiene and school supplies. Locations at University Campus and City College

MSUB Night on the Van

In partnership with the Salvation Army, help deliver hot meals to those in need within the Billings community

Vitalant Blood Donations

Blood donations can help save people's lives. Learn how blood donations help, what to expect, and book your slot today

Yellowjacket Reserves e-Newsletter

Food insecurity initiatives

One of the core functions of Community Engagement is to address food poverty within the Montana State University Billings community. We run multiple food drives throughout the year aimed at supporting the Yellowjacket Emergency Pantry, our student-focused food service, or local community partners, such as Family Service and the Salvation Army.

Trick-or-Treat Halloween Food Drive

Halloween-themed food drive collecting non-perishable donations from the neighborhoods surrounding University Campus. Click to volunteer!

MSUB Holiday Meal Boxes

Community outreach program aimed at providing MSUB families Thanksgiving food packages over the holiday period. Click to register!

Cans Around McMullen Food Drive

Hunger awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the need to address food poverty within the higher education system

Give a TON Food Drive (MSUB Vs. RMC)

Sports-based food insecurity food drive aimed at providing canned goods to vulnerable groups in the Billings community. All donations go to the Yellowjacket Emergency Pantry and Family Service. In partnership with Montana State University Billings Alumni and Rocky Mountain College Alumni.

Student-led groups and projects

Looking to develop your own volunteer group or service project? We can help you design an original project or connect you with an existing volunteering group to help maximize the impact you can make in our community.

Student United Way (SUW)

Student-led organization representing the next generation of community leaders. Focused on volunteerism in education, financial stability and health

Jackets from Jackets

ASMSUB student-led initiative aimed providing clothing to school children over winter within School District 2

World Kindness Day - 1000 PB&J Making

Students, staff and faculty are invited to help reach our target of 1000 sandwiches to address food poverty in the Billings community. In partnership with Dining Services Sodexo and the Center for Engagement. Click to sign up for 15mins slots!

Civics and Observance

Building citizenship and social responsibility through programs focused on membership, problem solving and observance. Each program acknowledges the importance of life, liberty, freedom and prosperity.

9/11 Memorial Day at City College

MSUB and our community partners wish to preserve and impart these lessons to the next generation of Montanans: Remember, Reflect, Educate and Dedicate.

Constitution Day (9/17)

Day of programming recognizing the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1/15)

Commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. with a bell ringing ceremony. The ringing of the bell symbolizes the quest for peace, justice, human rights, and social and economic progress for all people.

Community resources

Useful links and community engagement resources from local, state and regional partners.

MSUB Community Partners (coming soon)

Looking for a nonprofit? Montana State University Billings has over 70 non-profit partners in the local community.

Montana Campus Compact (MTCC)

Promoting partnerships through work-study opportunities, service learning and civic engagement. Part of the wider Campus Compact network.

United Way of Yellowstone County

Community-building organization focused on improving the lives of people through inclusiveness and diversity. Coordinates Disaster Response events and volunteers.

Awards and Scholarships

Awards and scholarship opportunities for service to civic and community engagement

Engaged Scholars Initiative

Aimed at early years (1-5 years) faculty and professionals, the ESI provides an opportunity to develop impactful collaborative learning and leadership skills within community engagement. Deadline: 08/30/2019

MSUB 9/11 Memorial Scholarship

Formally, First Responders Award: $500 scholarships available for students registered for classes in Fire Science, Para-medicine or Criminal Justice at City College. Deadline: 11/29/2019

Newman Civic Fellowship Award

Recognizes and supports community-committed students who are change makers and public problem-solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. Deadline 02/29/2020.

George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship

The award recognizes students at Montana Campus Compact affiliate campuses who have volunteered significant time, energy and resources in their communities. Deadline 11/10/2019.

Service Learning Support

Civic engagement project information for the First Year Experience (A&SC111) seminar class. Schedule your hours by Friday, September 27th, 2019 using the sign-up link provided in the document. All projects to be completed between Monday, September 30^th and Friday, November 22nd, 2019.

First Year Seminar (ASC111) seminar

General course overview information, learning outcomes and program structure

Civic Engagement project list

Download a copy of the civic engagement project list. Contains project descriptions, dates/times, locations and sign-up instructions