The Buckley Public Service Scholars program (BPSS) provides a framework for Carolina undergraduate students committed to making a positive impact through service. BPSS challenges participants to expand their understanding of service, connect academic and community-based experiences and build their capacity to help effect change. While completing the program components, participants build portfolios reflecting their learning and unique experiences throughout North Carolina, the nation and the world.

Since 2003, BPSS has connected students with similar interests and provided special opportunities for leadership development and community engagement.

Click here to read about the 2013 graduating class of Buckley Public Service Scholars.

Program goals

BPSS intends to strengthen the culture of service and engagement at UNC-Chapel Hill by:

• Challenging students to increase the breadth and depth of their involvement in North Carolina communities and beyond
• Fostering connections between the University, its students and the community
• Promoting student participation in varying dimensions of public service: direct, organizational and policy
• Developing students’ capacity for engaging in their communities in meaningful ways

In order to achieve this, BPSS involves a number of required program components and also a variety of non-required opportunities available to BPSS participants.