College of the Canyons will host its sixth annual Non-Profit Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, which will provide students and community members the opportunity to learn how they can help further the cause of a particular non-profit through volunteering.

Presented by the college’s Service-Learning program, the fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the college’s Student Center, located on the Valencia campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom while also giving back to the community,” said Kimberle Arredondo, COC Service-Learning program technician and one of the event organizers.

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 the community. Since the Non-Profit Fair’s inception in 2008, COC Service-Learning students have completed more than 38,000 hours of community service.

“The non-profit fair will offer something for everyone,” said Anthony Michaelides, director of career services at the college. “Students can meet agency representatives to have their questions answered, pick up brochures and learn more about the many opportunities available to serve their community.”

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, non-profit organizations.

“Agencies get a chance to promote their cause, and talk about how to get involved and network with other non-profits,” said Michaelides. “Faculty get the chance to meet with each agency to determine which might be a good fit or tie to their curriculum, so that the service-learning experience can be a rewarding one for their students.”

Some organizations that have already signed on to participate in this year’s fair include: Samuel Dixon Health Clinic, SCV Economic Development Corporation, Providence Tattoo Removal Clinic, HandsOn Santa Clarita, Northeast Valley Health Corporation, SCV Senior Center, Neighborhood Legal Services, SCVi Charter School, Domestic Violence Center of SCV, Roze Room Hospice and Habitat for Humanity.

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