2025 VSS Service Engagement Opportunities

Applicants are encouraged to begin the service engagement process as soon as possible. There are three options for completing the service engagement requirement: participation in a DMM service immersion, participation in weekly service with the DePaul Community Service Association, or participation in monthly service with the DePaul Community Service Association. All options are explained in detail below. Please read carefully as each service engagement experience has a deadline that is distinct from the scholarship application deadline, and at least one is prior to the scholarship application deadline.

Please email missionandministryscholarships@depaul.edu if you have questions about the Vincentian Service Scholarship application or service engagement requirements.

Service Immersions

Want to make connections with other DePaul students? Love community service? Want to learn about social justice issues you’re passionate about? Immersions are a fun, meaningful way to spend part of your break and meet other DePaul students. Week-long and one-day opportunities are available.

Please note there is a cost associated with these opportunities, although students can apply for immersion scholarships through the immersion application. These scholarships are SEPARATE from the Vincentian Service Scholarship.

Winter Break Service Immersion
Students who participated in a Division of Mission and Ministry winter break service immersion (week-long or one-day) have completed the VSS service engagement requirement.

Weeklong Spring Break Service Immersion
Week-long opportunities: Saturday, March 22 through Saturday, March 29
Sites and topics: Washington, DC (Housing and Food Security), Montgomery, AL (Civil Rights), White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, IN (Sustainability and Environmental Justice)
Cost: $275
Application deadline: Friday, January 24. Apply on DeHub.
If you are applying after the deadline has passed, you may still apply to be considered for the program or the waitlist, but you are strongly encouraged to consider a different option for completing the service engagement requirement.

One-Day Service Immersion Opportunities
Topics and Dates:
Fighting to End Homelessness: Friday, February 21 (application deadline: Friday, February 7)
Interfaith Service & Justice: Monday, March 24 (application deadline: Friday, March 7)
Sustainability & Environmental Justice: Thursday, March 27 (application deadline: Friday, March 7)
Cost: $25
Apply on DeHub!

Contact viatrips@depaul.edu with any service-immersion application questions.

DePaul Community Service Association

DePaul Community Service Association (DCSA) is a community of DePaul student-led organizations seeking to promote the dignity of all in providing meaningful volunteer opportunities and promoting reflection focused on the question of social justice and systemic change. This year applicants who choose DCSA as their service engagement opportunity have two ways to complete service: participation in four weeks of a weekly service site or participation in two monthly service opportunities.

Weekly DCSA Service
Applicants who choose this option for their service engagement experience must participate in at least four weeks of weekly service with DCSA. Applicants should complete the placement survey ASAP and no later than February 9 in order to be placed at a weekly service site and complete service winter quarter.

Monthly DCSA Service
Applicants who choose this option for their service engagement experience must participate in at least two monthly service opportunities at the same site. Applicants should complete the placement survey ASAP and no later than February 9 in order to be placed at a monthly service site and complete service winter quarter.