Batten Engaged

Connect. Contribute. Change Our World.

Batten Engaged: Civic Engagement and Service Learning

Batten Engaged, in partnership with Volunteer Hampton Roads, connects students with meaningful volunteer opportunities that make a difference both on campus and throughout the Coastal Virginia community. Through partnerships with local organizations, students can serve others, explore new interests, and make a positive impact while building lasting connections.

Volunteering is also an opportunity to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. These real-world experiences strengthen your résumé, prepare you for future careers, and help you grow as an engaged citizen.

How We Engage

Every student can make a difference. Batten Engaged connects classroom learning with real community needs through service learning, volunteer opportunities, and civic engagement. By working alongside nonprofit organizations, schools, and community partners, students build leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen the communities they call home.

Service Learning

Faculty-integrated service learning courses that connect academic content to real community needs — creating meaningful learning experiences for students and partners alike.

Community Programs

Hands-on volunteer programs partnering with 50+ Hampton Roads organizations — from mentorship at local elementary schools to environmental stewardship with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Civic Engagement

Nonpartisan voter education, registration drives, civic holidays, and the Marlins Vote initiative — helping students become active, informed participants in democratic life.

Recognition & Awards

Volunteer Service Awards, ALL IN Campus Challenge recognition, and Civic 50 Hampton Roads honors — celebrating students and the institution for outstanding civic contributions.

Environmental Stewardship

Assisting the horticulture team at the Virginia Zoo, community garden maintenance, and Tree Campus designation — caring for the region we call home.

Personal Growth

Studies show that people who volunteer regularly experience less depression, greater satisfaction, and a stronger sense of purpose. Embrace it — let your college years be defined by how you used your education to help others.

Our Programs

From elementary school reading mentorship to national civic engagement recognition, Batten Engaged runs a wide range of programs throughout the academic year.

Community Garden at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

Campus Ministries and Batten Engaged students, faculty, and staff help maintain the Community Garden at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

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Oyster Gardening

In partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, students, faculty, and staff care for oyster cages whose mature oysters are returned to sanctuary reefs in the Chesapeake Bay.

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Girls on the Run Hampton Roads

Batten University houses the offices of Girls on the Run Hampton Roads, and Batten Engaged is proud to partner with the organization.

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Service-Learning Partners

50+ Hampton Roads organizations partner with Batten Engaged to provide students with meaningful, faculty-integrated service learning opportunities across a wide range of fields and disciplines.

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Marlins Vote

Batten Engaged supports nonpartisan voter education, registration drives, civic holidays, and election awareness programs that help students become informed participants in democratic life.

Students can find voter registration resources, upcoming civic engagement opportunities, and campus election-related programming through the Marlins Vote initiative.

Explore Marlins Vote View Recognitions