At Case Western Reserve University, students are active members of the university and Cleveland community. That’s why we partner with the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning (CCEL) each year to provide you an opportunity to explore and engage with the Cleveland community during Discover Week.
During CWRU in CLE: Serve and Explore, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for a service trip or excursion to discover what makes Cleveland awesome. Either way you’ll kickstart your discovery of Cleveland and learn how to use your Greater Cleveland RTA pass, which allows you to use your student ID for unlimited access to the bus and transit systems. You'll find the full list of CWRU in CLE service projects and excursions at the bottom of this page.
Watch how CWRU students before you have discovered Cleveland:
Serve
During the CWRU in CLE event, you can choose from a variety of service projects or volunteer information sessions, including sorting donations at the Cleveland Food Bank, harvesting community garden crops and more. Review the options:
With over 200 acres of gardens, Holden Arboretum can use many hands to help maintain the beauty of the gardens for all visitors. Volunteers will work with horticulturists and help with gardening tasks, such as weeding, deadheading, mulching, transplanting, etc. If time allows after gardening, volunteers can also explore the Holden Arboretum.
Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle, and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes (long pants are recommended) that they don't mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are also recommended. Closed-toed shoes will be strictly required in order to participate in the project. Volunteers might need to show proof of vaccination at check-in, which can be their vaccination card, a copy of their vaccination card, or a picture of their vaccination card on their phone.
We also ask for a photo ID (driver's license or school ID). Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, should contact danielle.hickman@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.
Goods Bank NEO is a recently launched Cleveland nonprofit near CWRU's campus that distributes NEW goods (ex. household items, cleaning supplies, baby items, clothing, toys, etc.) to nonprofits, schools, and faith-based entities so that they can stretch their impact further. In doing so, it's also reducing landfill waste. Volunteers are needed to sort, price, stock, tinker, and more to keep the shelves ready for shoppers. Get to know your fellow volunteers while puzzling over mystery Amazon box arrivals to sort into product categories -- you never know what you'll find! With 70+ nonprofit members and counting, you'll have a chance to impact thousands of area residents who rely on Goods Bank products.
Trinity's Urban Farm grows food that is given 100% to hunger programs in Cleveland's Central neighborhood. This provides a true farm-to-table program, as the farm is also located in Central. In August, we will be doing a lot of harvesting and weighing of produce. Volunteers could assist with tasks including weeding, planting, prepping and transporting produce.
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes conserves a natural area, connects people with nature and inspires environmental stewardship. It is their goal to make sure that we provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive outdoor space so that all people can connect with nature on their own terms. Participants will assist the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes with a trail maintenance project. Activities include assisting with laying mulch and/or gravel to designated areas on the trail.
Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, should contact danielle.hickman@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.
Volunteer with assist North Union Farmers Market staff by organizing items for their annual fundraiser Cleveland Garlic Festival. Projects will include setting up tables and decorating them with table cloths and center pieces. The work will be predominantly outdoors and volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle, and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes that they don't mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are also recommended.
Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) is the only non-profit organization in Greater Cleveland providing new shoes, school uniforms, clothes and school supplies throughout the year at no charge to thousands of children in need. Through our programs, we help improve school attendance, in some cases up to 24%, so that our community's children have the education they need to succeed. Volunteers will sort and count inventory, stock shelves, and fill online uniform and supply requests. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a filled water bottle and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes. Closed-toed shoes will be strictly required in order to participate in the project.
Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, should contact danielle.hickman@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.
Volunteers will sort, sticker and pack children's books in the warehouse. Thousands of high quality books are given each month to hundreds of organizations in our community who distribute them to the kids they work with. To date, we have distributed over 3 million books since opening our doors in 2016. Some heavy lifting could be involved in moving packed boxes, and volunteers should be prepared to stand for the duration of the program. Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended as well as comfortable (there is no AC in the warehouse) work clothes, and a filled water bottle.
The Hunger Network has been working to end hunger and build a healthier community for over 25 years. It is Cuyahoga County's largest emergency food provider. Hunger Network Midtown Market is a grocery-styled choice food pantry. Volunteers are needed to help prepare for their monthly pantry distribution. Volunteer activities would include unloading our delivery and stocking shelves.
Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, should contact danielle.hickman@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.
Founded in 1932, The Coit Road Farmers Market provides access to affordable, locally grown farm fresh produce to residents of Greater Cleveland. The four-acre market site includes a garden for community members to grow produce for family use as well as an urban farm area for growers who sell their produce at the Market. Volunteer work will include gardening and general cleanup of the site. This project will take place primarily outdoors, so volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable clothes that they do not mind getting dirty or wet.
Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate.
Volunteers are needed to help sort and repack nonperishable food that is later distributed to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Volunteers may also be needed to assist with the preparation of bagged lunches for the kids backpack program. Closed-toed shoes are strictly required to participate in this project and volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes. Masks are optional.
Participants will be emailed a registration link in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate.
Family Promise of Greater Cleveland aims to help transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to help individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through community-based response. Volunteers will assist with sorting and organizing donations in the organizations food pantry or storage area.
Founded in 1993, MedWish International is a not-for-profit organization that saves lives and the environment by repurposing discarded medical supplies and equipment to provide humanitarian aid in developing countries. With the help of Medwish staff, volunteers will work together to sort the donated supplies into categories to prepare for shipment. Volunteers should wear comfortable work clothes and bring a filled water bottle. Closed-toed shoes will be strictly required in order to participate in the project. Some heavy lifting may be involved, and volunteers should be prepared to stand for the duration of the project.
Participants will be emailed a registration link in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, must have their parent/guardian sign the online waiver in order to participate.
Assist Cleveland Botanical Garden horticulture staff with gardening projects, such as weeding, deadheading, transplanting, etc. Get an insider's perspective of the gardens at a neighboring institution and know that you helped make the gardens more beautiful for all visitors! Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle, and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes (long pants are recommended) that they don't mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, bugspray, and a hat are also recommended. Closed-toed shoes will be strictly required in order to participate in the project.
Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate. Volunteers under 18 years old who register for this project, should contact danielle.hickman@case.edu to receive a parent/guardian waiver in advance of the event.
Garden@Case is a CWRU volunteer-supported, on-campus garden used to educate in urban gardening practices and to provide food to a local hunger center. Volunteers will learn about how they can get involved and may assist with harvesting crops, weeding, planting, and watering. Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring a filled water bottle, and wear comfortable, work-appropriate clothes and sturdy, closed-toed shoes that they don't mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, bugspray, and a hat are also recommended. This project will take place on campus.
SpartanTHON, is student organization on-campus that raises money for kids in UH Rainbow Babies. Participants in this session will be making blankets and decorate bandanas for the kids and their families at the hospital, and the group will discuss how to get involved with them this year. This session will take place on campus.
Family Meal Program -The Cleveland Ronald McDonald House kitchen is the heart of our House. The meals we serve at our House remove a huge financial burden from our families and take away the stress of having to figure out what, when and where to eat in an unfamiliar place. In our family meal program, we prepare fresh and nutritious dinners, lunches, and snacks in our House kitchen. These meals then go to feeding our families at our house and four hospital-based Family Room programs.Volunteers are invited to share in this experience helping provide meals to our families! Groups will be cooking or preparing food on site. Your group will receive direction from a member of our staff to safely prepare, cook and assemble all food in the House kitchen.
Participants will be emailed a waiver in advance of the event that must be completed before they can participate.
The Blood Drive will take place on-campus from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registered students will need to make an appointment on the Red Cross site: redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=CASEWESTERN
Explore
There are many excursions to choose from, including opportunities to explore University Circle, Downtown Cleveland and Ohio City, home of the famous West Side Market, and much more.
Explore the dining, cultural, and shopping options of the neighborhood. AsiaTown’s vibrant restaurants will take you on an exciting trip to the Asian continent, sure to satisfy your palate. And don’t forget to check out the indoor shopping centers - Asian Town Center and Asia Plaza! The neighborhood is also filled with outdoor shops for you to visit on a sunny day. There is always somewhere to discover in AsiaTown.
Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 15 min. and walk for a total of 15 min. to reach your destination.
At the heart of CWRU’s University Circle, The Cleveland Museum of Art is internationally renowned for its extensive permanent collection (particularly Asian and Egyptian holdings) of over 61,000 works of art from all over the world. Just minutes away from campus, take a stroll through the gorgeous Wade Lagoon and Wade Park before stepping into the glass and marble architecture of the museum. And best of all, admission is always free to the general public!
Please note: You can expect to walk 5 min to reach your destination. Backpacks are not allowed.
A chic neighborhood not far from campus, Coventry Village is frequented by students and community members alike. Never a shortage of antique stores, book stores, thrift shops, coffee shops, music venues, theaters, and restaurants, Coventry has something for everyone. Between explorations, stop by to cool off with a milkshake from Tommy’s (crowned best milkshakes in Ohio), or some rolled ice cream. Get a head start on exploring one of CWRU students’ favorite places to spend a night with friends or try a cool new restaurant.
Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 8 min. and walk a total of 10 min. to reach your destination.
The Gordon Square Arts District is a world-class arts district, a retail and dining destination and a walkable community in the heart of Cleveland's Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. This trendy neighborhood features 5 different theatres that host a variety of different musicals and productions throughout the year. There are more than 20 works of public art to take pictures with throughout your stroll through Gordon Square. Visit popular restaurants, such as the donut shop Brewnuts and Happy Dog. Gordon Square is home to Cleveland's LGBT Community Center that has been serving and supporting Cleveland's LGBT community since 1975, where students can visit to learn more about how they serve the Cleveland community or just hang out.
Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for a total of 24 min and walk a total of 25 min to reach your destination.
Enter the Arcade, the nation's first indoor shopping center! This Victorian-era National Historic Landmark is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, great food, and historical significance. Explore the Marengo Luxury Spa, the Prosperity Glass jewelry store, and the various eateries, such as the Chocolate Bar and Pizza 216. Immerse yourself in history through The Arcade Art Gallery and Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors, a Civil War monument. Regardless of what you're interested in, there's always something for you at the Arcade!
Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for a total of 26 minutes and walk a total of 5 minutes to reach your destination
Explore Tower City Center, once the second tallest building in the world! Consisting of Terminal Tower, the beautiful Skylight Park, and the Rapid Transit train hub, as well as a casino, hotel, and financial plaza, Tower City has it all! It's easy to get lost in the huge shopping center at the base of the tower and the gorgeous indoor greenery in the newly built Skylight Park. Get familiar with the Tower City Rapid Station downstairs, the central hub for Cleveland's four train lines. The architecture is well-suited for pictures, and its proximity to nearby attractions like the Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse will keep you coming back for more.
Please note: You can expect to walk a total of 8 minutes and ride public transportation for a total of 29 minutes to reach your destination.
Hang out at Cleveland’s lakefront on North Coast Harbor, home to many attractions and beautiful greenspaces to take in the scenery, such as Voinovich Bicentennial Park. On the coast, within walking distance are Cleveland’s iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame*, the Great Lake Science Center, the Cleveland Clinic Dome theater, and FirstEnergy Stadium- home to the Cleveland Browns. Only a short walk away is the Cleveland Free Stamp, the world’s largest rubber stamp!
Please note: You can expect to walk a total of 23 minutes and ride public transportation for a total of 20 minutes to reach your destination.
With over 250 local businesses, exploring Ohio City is a great way to dive into the heart and soul of Cleveland. With unique venues such as Glass Bubble Project, Tabletop Café, the original Mitchell's Ice Cream and more, Ohio City never disappoints! You can also discover the famous West Side Market that features over 100 vendors selling Cleveland-foodie classics, including prepared meals, sweet treats, fresh and locally grown groceries, meats, spices, and more. Ohio City is the second most walkable neighborhood in Cleveland, where you can access shops, restaurants, parks, and various community centers and organizations.
Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 20 min and walk for a total of 13 min to reach your destination.
Host to over 1,500 high school, collegiate and adult athletes on the banks of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland, the Cleveland Rowing Foundation facilitates and promotes the sport of rowing to the Greater Cleveland community. The sport of rowing is an extremely rewarding one, requiring that all eight individuals in the boat work together in order to move as fast as possible. Join CWRU’s very own rowing team, CWRU Crew, as they show you around the Cleveland Rowing Foundation Boathouse and introduce you to the basics of the sport. No prior rowing experience is necessary!
Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for 20 min and walk 20 min to reach your destination. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and gym shoes, as there will be a light workout!
Visit the Van Aken District, a local urban hub that offers an amazing mix of retail, restaurants and entertainment. The Van Aken Market Hall is home to several local restaurants, such as Brassica, Domo Yakitori and Sushi, Banter, and more, including some locally owned shops! Eat at Mitchell's or shop at the Cleveland Clothing Co.! Take this opportunity to take pictures with your new friends in front of wall art around the district!
Please note: You can expect to ride public transportation for a total of 28 min. and walk a total of 12 min. to reach your destination.
Are you bringing a bike to campus? Look no further than this sustainable DiscoverCLE trip! We will take you on a tour of the best bike paths around campus and University Circle! Join CWRU’s very own Cycling Club on an adventure to marvel at the sights around campus and beyond, all from the comfort of your very own bike. Perfect for all skill levels -- stop to see the sights, grab a cup of coffee, meet new people, and more!
Please note: You will need a bike and a helmet on campus to attend this trip. You can expect to bike anywhere from 10-15 miles over the course of this three hour trip, with some stops along the way. It is also recommended to bring a bike lock, for these stops during the tour, as well as a filled water bottle. Please make sure your bike is in good working condition, as you will be responsible for your own bike in the event of any failure or damage.