Purpose2Action

Engaging with communities not only addresses immediate challenges but also builds unity, creating a more equitable and vibrant society. The P2A program has allowed me to apply these values to my daily life, allowing me to live by my goals and act on them rather than just dream of them. I am forever grateful for my experience.

Purpose2Action Participant

Cohort 2, Spring 2023

Fill Out the P2A Application

The WVU Purpose2Action (P2A) program is a paid community engagement experience that places Pell-eligible undergraduates with non-profit and public sector organizations to work on mission-driven projects. WVU undergraduate students from any field of study and academic year who are eligible to receive the Pell grant are encouraged to apply.

The P2A program stems from the Provost’s Academic Innovation Summit held in the Fall of 2021 as a response to a pressing need within our community, driven by a commitment to enhancing the academic experience, nurturing career skills, promoting mental health, and fostering a sense of belonging. At the heart of this endeavor was the desire to transform higher education and create meaningful opportunities for students in our community, particularly students who often face barriers due to financial stability. Named Purpose2Action, this program set out to empower Pell-eligible students to discover their purpose and contribute to our local communities by placing students in meaningful, paid opportunities with WVU community partners.

Our host organizations (current WVU Center for Community Engagement community partners) address a wide range of social issues and work with a variety of populations locally and throughout West Virginia.

There are three available stages of the P2A program that students may work through:

Stage 1: P2A

Students begin in our traditional P2A program, being placed through a holistic process with a community partner with whom they will work alongside for a full semester. Additionally, this cohort of students learn more about critical personal and professional growth skills through development sessions, complete reflective exercises, and receive peer mentorship and guidance throughout their journey.
Stage 2: P2A+

Students are then given the opportunity to reapply for P2A+, an additional semester-long extension. Students in P2A+ frequently remain with the same partner, though at times, they may wish to experience a different pathway, which we also support. P2A+ participants continue to receive mentorship and growth opportunities, while also completing a reflective portfolio of their work.
Stage 3: P2A Mentor

Finally, we most recently have begun to utilize a peer mentor model, with students who have completed both P2A and P2A+ remaining in the program as ambassadors and mentors to their fellow students, while continuing to work with and for the community.

Students: Are you interested in giving back to your community? Would you like to volunteer more but also need financial support? Are you service-focused or have an interest in non-profit work? Would you like the opportunity to find a job that meets your passions, interests, and skills? Then this program is a fit for you. If interested in participating in Purpose2Action, please fill out the Qualtrics Interest Form below.

Fill Out the P2A Application