“Students must let the gritty reality of this world into their lives, so they can learn it, feel it, think about it critically, respond to its suffering and engage it constructively. They should learn to perceive, think, judge, choose and act for the rights of others, especially the disadvantaged and the oppressed.”

-Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, SJ, The Superior General of the Society of Jesus

SumServe, a program that offers a summer of immersion into service, is designed for students who want an intensive service experience that will prompt deeper questions and discussion about social justice issues. Working almost full-time at a community agency in the Baltimore area and interacting directly with community members who are struggling with issues related to material poverty, participants have an opportunity to actively respond to Rev. Kolvenbach’s challenge cited above. Together, through the community placement as well as through a weekly Social Justice seminar, the group will explore the reality of oppression through examination of issues related to race and class.

Program goals

1. To provide opportunities for direct involvement with people who are materially poor.
2. To experience the operation of a non-profit agency in order to understand the strategies agencies use to respond to community needs as well as the challenges they face.
3. To think critically about social justice issues through reflection opportunities that challenge participants to link their community experiences with education about the systems that perpetuate the need for the services that they offer.
4. To foster a life-long habit of “choosing and acting for others.”

Program components

1. 32 hours per week of paid work in a Baltimore agency that serves people who are materially poor.
2. Weekly Social Justice Seminar focusing on topics related to material poverty and oppression.
3. Opportunities for reflection.
4. Community and simple living.

Benefits for Participants

1. On-campus housing.
2. Opportunities to learn about social justice through community work and seminar.
3. Full-time work experience for resume.
4. Access to University vehicles or bus tokens for transportation to and from agency.
5. Dinner with local community activists working on social justice issues.
6. Access to Fitness and Athletic Center.

Participant eligibility

1. Participation in a prior CCSJ Immersion Program (SOS, UNITE,  Project Mexico, Encounter El Salvador, or SBO) and/or
2. Participation in two semesters of regular service at Loyola
3. Rising Junior, Senior, or newly graduated status
4. Availability and willingness to commit to Summer Session I (June 1-July 15)
5. Valid driver’s license and willingness to take public transportation
6. Openness, flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, and willingness to dig into questions about social justice.
7. Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated interest and regular involvement in service experiences and passion about social justice issues.
8. The interview will address communication and organizational skills, knowledge of and sensitivity to social justice issues and work and service experience.

Participant responsibility

The success of SumServe is highly dependent upon the dedication, commitment, and spirit of the participant group. It requires participants to display professional behavior and attitudes. SumServe and its various components must be a top priority for all involved.

Each SumServe participant will make a commitment to:

1. Complete 32 hours of service at their placement each week.
2. Abide by all University and residence hall policies specified in the Loyola University Maryland Community Standards Handbook.
3. Attend and participate in all Weekly Seminars.
4. Participate in other agency-related activities.
5. Seek advance approval from Christina Harrison for absence from any SumServe activities due to prior commitments.

*Participants will be allowed to take one evening course as long as it does not interfere with placement hours, the social justice seminar, orientation, or reflection days (see calendar).  Participants need to be aware that it is very difficult to take a class while participating in this program due to the demanding nature of almost full-time work in local agencies.

Agency Placements

Each participant will choose a placement in an agency in the Baltimore area that is affiliated with Loyola University Maryland and has established a SumServe placement. The agencies work with people who are materially poor, and have agreed to create a placement that involves direct interaction with community members as well as significant responsibilities within the agency. For listing of Program Placements please click here.

Procedure for applying for a SumServe Fellowship:

1. Complete Fellowship Application form by Friday, March 12
2. Interview with Christina Harrison and Maggie Horne at CCSJ (March 18 or 19)
3. *Fellowships slots will be decided by March 26*
4. Identify two agencies of interest
5. Interview at two agencies (between March 26 and April 23)
6. Receive final placement of agencies will be decided by April 23

Click here for Sample Placement Sites
Click here for Program Details and Schedule
Click here for Fellowship Application

If you have any questions about this program please contact Christina Harrison at charrison@loyola.edu or Maggie Horne at mrhorne@loyola.edu.