Over spring break, forty GW students chose service over vacation. They fanned out across all eight wards of DC to volunteer with food banks, schools, and community gardens. Here is what they learned.
Why a Service Trip
GW students live in DC, but many never venture beyond the Foggy Bottom and Georgetown bubbles. The Spring Service Trip was created to change that. For one week, students immerse themselves in communities across the city, volunteering with local organizations and learning about the challenges and strengths of DC neighborhoods.
This year, we partnered with the DC Food Project, Anacostia Watershed Society, Capitol Hill Group Ministry, and four DC public schools. Students applied in January and were selected based on their interest in community engagement — not prior volunteer experience.
Ward 7 and 8: Food Security
Twelve students spent the week with the DC Food Project, working at food pantries in Wards 7 and 8. They sorted donations, packed grocery bags for families, and helped distribute fresh produce at three community sites. For many students, it was their first time east of the Anacostia River.
"I have lived in Foggy Bottom for two years and never crossed the river," said junior Maya Thompson. "Seeing the food deserts firsthand and meeting the community leaders fighting to change that — it completely shifted my perspective on DC."
Anacostia Watershed: Environmental Restoration
Ten students worked with the Anacostia Watershed Society on river cleanup and wetland restoration. They removed invasive species, planted native trees along the riverbank, and helped monitor water quality. The Anacostia River has been heavily polluted for decades, but restoration efforts are showing real progress.
The group also toured the DC Water Blue Plains facility to understand how the city's wastewater system works and how it impacts the river. It was a powerful lesson in how infrastructure, policy, and community health are interconnected.
Capitol Hill Group Ministry: Youth Mentorship
Eight students volunteered with Capitol Hill Group Ministry, mentoring elementary and middle school students. They ran after-school programs, helped with homework, and organized a community field day on the last day of the trip.
"The kids were incredible," said sophomore Jordan Lee. "On the first day they were shy, but by Thursday they were asking us when we were coming back. That is the hardest part — knowing it is only a week. But the relationships we built and the connections we made with the organization mean students can keep coming back."
DC Public Schools: Classroom Support
Ten students served as classroom assistants at four DC public schools in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8. They supported teachers, worked with small groups of students, and helped prepare classroom materials. For students considering careers in education, it was an invaluable hands-on experience.
What Comes Next
The Spring Service Trip is not a one-and-done experience. The Student Association is building ongoing partnerships with every organization we worked with. Students who participated are encouraged to continue volunteering throughout the semester, and we are planning a fall service weekend for students who could not join the spring trip.
If you are interested in joining a future service trip, applications for the Fall Service Weekend open in September. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified.
