Community Engagement and Social Justice

The Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice facilitates and promotes community-based learning and develops strategic partnerships to advance learning, promote civic engagement, and enhance community leadership in order to create a more just society.

Learning that changes lives.

For more than 100 years, Simmons University has inspired its students to combine learning with action for a more just and equitable world. Today, The London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice takes the lead in advancing this commitment to visionary education and civic engagement by building on our strengths as a women-centered college and our commitment to leadership development.

The office works closely with around 40 community-based organizations to provide opportunities for student-leadership and community benefit. Whether it's tackling social justice issues such as the education achievement gap, mentoring girls for advancement and success, or cleaning up the nearby Muddy River, we offer our entire campus a variety of ways to get involved through stimulating service-learning courses and exciting all-University signature initiatives.

Through reciprocal partnerships with community-based organizations, The London Center aims to:

  • Broaden and deepen community-based learning at Simmons.
  • Support faculty in their goals to expand community-based research.
  • Cultivate a readiness for civic agency in our students.
  • Promote women's leadership and girls advancement and success.
  • Develop engaged and socially responsible leaders.

Join Us!

Check out one of our signature student leadership development programs: Bonner Community Leaders, Jumpstart, Alternative Spring Break, America Learns, and Strong Women Strong Girls. Each of these programs has opportunities for students in leadership positions to apply their federal work study award. 

Not interested in one of these programs? Check out other ways to get involved or find other volunteer opportunities in the Boston Area. 

Check out our community-engaged teaching and research page for more information about connecting your teaching and research to community through experiential opportunities.

Interested in partnering with us? See our Community Partners page for more information! We are always open to ideas and proposals.

There are many ways to get involved for our entire community! Come to an Social Justice Art Show, help us clean up the Muddy River, or serve on a panel to share your experience and knowledge on Social Justice Issues.  Have an idea - let us know!


Community Engagement by the Numbers

2023 Annual Report

Download the 2023 Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice Annual Report to learn more about the work going on at the Center.

430

Total Students

During the 2022–2023 academic year, 430 undergraduate and graduate students were formally engaged in programs through the Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice.

40

Partner Organizations

During the 2022-2023 academic year, Simmons students engaged with 40 organizations across the Greater Boston area through the London Center.

16,265

Hours Served

Our students served 16,265 hours of community service during the 2022–2023 academic year.

Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice

The Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice facilitates and promotes community-based learning and develops strategic partnerships to advance learning, promote civic engagement, and enhance community leadership in order to create a more just society.

Meghan Doran

Director, Community Engagement and Social Justice

Courtney Kramer

Assistant Director of the Center for Community Engagement

Dara Starkman

Senior Site Manager