Ware Institute for Civic Engagement
A Deeper Sense of Meaning and Purpose
Being a Diplomat means becoming a thoughtful and active member of a community. At the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement, we give you the platform to become an integral part of the Lancaster story and culture.
The Ware Institute offers a dynamic and collaborative space where you can explore how your passions can make an impact. Here, you can dare to dream and embark on innovative and collaborative experiences that address real-world challenges, build connections with neighbors who share a vision for positive change, and develop essential skills in leadership and communication.
You can become a driving force for positive impact with opportunities to:
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- Pitch your boldest, most innovative ideas during dedicated "Dreaming Hours"
- Collaborate with like-minded students who share your passion for making the world a better place
- Connect with local Lancaster leaders through hands-on mentorships
- Engage in the community through service-learning, volunteer work, and experiential courses
- Build collaborative partnerships with neighborhood organizations tackling real-world challenges
- Grow as a leader through civically minded skill development and training
Community Collaborators
Across the city and county, our faculty, students, and staff work alongside community partners on research, education, service, the arts, public health, and more. Explore the interactive map below to see some examples of how F&M faculty and students are actively collaborating with community partners!
Living and Learning in Our Home City
Learn more about how our home city of Lancaster is an integral educational partner teeming with opportunities to learn, serve, and engage with the local community.
Become a Community Partner
We value our partnerships with local nonprofit and government organizations. Discover how you can work with us to connect with F&M students.
Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI)
Transforming Gardens into Classrooms
“I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to understand more about running a nonprofit
organization, connect more closely with the Lancaster community, and meet new individuals,”
she said.
Read MorePublic Service Summer Institute (PSSI)
Finding Culture & Community Through Lancaster Internship
“I was responsible for researching and creating a presentation around how Lancaster
Pride can become better connected with and support LGBTQIA+ folks within the realms
of legal systems, education, safe spaces, community engagement, and health and wellness,”
Durkin said. “Additionally, I was heavily involved in the nonprofit's various events:
the annual Lancaster Pride Festival, various vigils, and fundraisers like pool parties
and a trip to New York City for a Broadway show.”
Read More
Our Programs and Opportunities
Service, Volunteering, and Community Building
Community-Based Learning
Community Innovation Initiatives
Civic Leadership
Ware Civic Engagement Advocates
Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI)
Squash Aces Mentoring
F&M Dialogues
PIT (Putting It Together in the Community)
Leadership Lunch and Learns
November 9, 2026 When she arrived at F&M, Stephanie Sexton ’27 knew she wanted to study environmental science and engage in hands-on fieldwork. This summer, she turned that ambition into action, helping drive cutting-edge initiatives in F&M’s backyard while contributing to a multi-year research project abroad. September 23, 2026 Franklin & Marshall has been selected to join Project Pericles, an honor that underscores the College’s commitment to fostering meaningful impact in its home city of Lancaster. September 8, 2026 Molly DeBrandt ’28 transformed academic curiosity into career conviction. As an intern with the Office of the Public Defender of Lancaster County, she stepped directly into the daily realities of public defense and discovered a passion for law. “I now intend to apply to law school following my graduation from F&M,” she said.Learn, Serve, Work
From Lancaster Streams to Canadian Lakes: Stephanie Sexton ’27 Puts Science into Action
F&M Joins Project Pericles, Amplifying Community Partnerships in Lancaster
Lancaster Internship Shapes Pre-Law Path
F&M’s Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI) brought a cohort of students to meet with Leonard G. Brown III, President Judge at Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, in his courtroom.
F&M’s Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI) brought a cohort of students to meet with Leonard G. Brown III, President Judge at Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, in his courtroom.
PIT is a three-day pre-orientation program that immerses you in the culture, history, and service opportunities of the Lancaster community. These F&M PIT students volunteered with West Art, a living room for Lancaster and a sanctuary for all things art.
PIT is a three-day pre-orientation program that immerses you in the culture, history, and service opportunities of the Lancaster community. These F&M PIT students volunteered with West Art, a living room for Lancaster and a sanctuary for all things art.
Students involved in F&M’s Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI) visited Fields Edge Farm in Lititz, Pa., where they discussed the role of crop diversity and harvesting a row of beets.
Students involved in F&M’s Public Service Summer Institute (PSSI) visited Fields Edge Farm in Lititz, Pa., where they discussed the role of crop diversity and harvesting a row of beets.
The Ware Institute provides year-round opportunities for you to engage in community within and beyond Lancaster. Students have volunteered with Power Packs Project, a Lancaster nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in local schools over the weekend, when free school breakfasts and lunches aren’t available.
The Center for the Sustainable Environment and the Ware Institute collaborated to plant 80 trees on F&M's Baker Campus, contributing to Lancaster's greater sustainability efforts.
The Center for the Sustainable Environment and the Ware Institute collaborated to plant 80 trees on F&M's Baker Campus, contributing to Lancaster's greater sustainability efforts.
The Ware Institute provides year-round opportunities for you to engage in community within and beyond Lancaster. Students have volunteered to bathe and groom adoptable pets at a local animal rescue shelter.
Squash ACES is a program that helps local high school students build physical fitness through the game of squash and good study habits under the mentorship of F&M student volunteers.