Pay it Forward

The Pay it Forward initiative is developing a new generation of philanthropists through an innovative course-based service-learning program that engages Ohio college students in hands-on philanthropy, grant-making, and volunteer service while providing community nonprofits with much needed assistance during difficult economic times. Participating faculty infuse the study of philanthropy as a core component of the coursework and each course receives real dollars to award non-profit agencies. Students provide at least 15 hours of volunteer service to local non-profit agencies while simultaneously identifying community needs, establishing funding criteria, and engaging in group decision-making as part of the course.

Pay it Forward simultaneously improves student learning, faculty scholarship, college engagement, non-profit capacity, and community needs.  Pay it Forward is sponsored by Ohio Campus Compact and made possible through private foundations and organizations such as the United Way.

Since January 2010, Pay it Forward has engaged over 3,000 college students in 151 courses across 36 campuses, dedicated more than 54,000 total volunteer hours, and invested $572,000 to more than 300 community-based nonprofit organizations.

Feature Story: University of Akron continues to Pay it Forward in 2013

Click here to view highlights from the Spring 2012 Pay it Forward course celebrations.