With 19 nonprofit groups and organizations already scheduled to attend, College of the Canyons will host its fourth annual Nonprofit Fair designed to help students and community members learn how they can further a particular nonprofit cause by connecting with one of the organizations in attendance.

Being presented by the college’s Service-Learning program, the COC Nonprofit Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the college’s Student Center atrium, located on the Valencia campus. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

“The Nonprofit Fair is a great opportunity for our students to connect with the community and engage in meaningful community service,” said Kimberle Arredondo, COC Service-Learning program technician and one of the event organizers. “Since we started hosting the Nonprofit Fair in 2008, our Service-Learning students have completed more than 31,000 hours of service to our community.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the college as well as our students,” added Arredondo.

The college’s Service-Learning program allows students to apply the concepts and theories they learn in the classroom to real-life situations and challenges through volunteering in their community.

“As participants in service-learning, students enhance their learning experience by reinforcing academic concepts through practical application,” said Michael Joslin, dean of Student Services at the college. “Students engage in meaningful duties providing service for our community partners and the clientele they serve, and this interaction provides networking opportunities for our students and helps them explore career options.”

Some organizations that have already signed on to participate in this year’s fair include: American Cancer Society, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Boys and Girls Club – SCV, Bridges to Ability Foundation, Community Hiking Club, Domestic Violence Center of SCV, Girl Scouts of Greater LA, Habitat for Humanity, New Leash on Life, ProCare Hospice, Providence Tattoo Removal Program, Project Kindle, Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, SCOPE (Santa Clarita Org. for Planning the Environment), SCV International Charter School, SCV Senior Center, Single Mothers Outreach, Wildlife Learning Foundation, William S. Hart Museum.

This annual event presents a great opportunity for all students, faculty, staff and community members to learn about the wide range of volunteer opportunities available within local community-based, nonprofit organizations.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Nonprofit Fair, please contact Kimberle Arredondo at 661-362-3231.