B-W: Building Partnerships for 20 Years

During the 2005-2006 academic year, the Office of Community Outreach celebrated 20 years of service to the Berea and Cleveland communities. The office traces its roots to the "B-W Construction Company," a student-initiated group started in 1985. The mission of the Construction Company was to build bridges to the greater community through service. In 1993, the Office of Community Outreach was established and a full-time Director was hired under the Division of Student Affairs. Four students were also hired to coordinate special volunteer projects. These projects included the first Alternative Winter Break trip to Hull, IL, and three Alternative Spring Break trips to Hull, IL, New York City, NY, and Union, WV. The student coordinators also initiated Project X, providing five weekly volunteer programs for B-W students.

Since that time, the Office of Community Outreach has grown to include over 15 student coordinators, an Assistant Director, and a Graduate Assistant. This team provides weekly service programs, mentoring programs, residential programs, Alternative Break trips and much more. Each year, B-W students contribute over 5,000 hours of service to the Greater Cleveland area through OCO programs!