Elevate Center for Service & Volunteerism

Elevating #AxeofService

NAU's Center for Service and Volunteerism empowers students to engage with their communities while building the skills they need for lifelong success. 

At the heart of this work is Axe of Service—a growing initiative designed to connect students with meaningful volunteer opportunities that foster purpose, belonging, and career readiness. Through partnerships across Flagstaff and beyond, the Center creates pathways for students to explore new perspectives, respond to community needs, and develop essential professional skills. As the demand for career-ready graduates continues to grow, programs like Axe of Service play a vital role in preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence and experience.

Axe of Service By the Numbers

In just a short time, Axe of Service has made a powerful impact. In its first year alone, more than 1,700 participants completed over 2,470 hours of service across 1,900 volunteer activities with 70 partners—just the beginning of what this program can achieve. 

Students consistently report that volunteering through Axe of Service provides a sense of purpose and belonging, helps them navigate personal challenges, and exposes them to new perspectives. Just as importantly, these experiences build critical workforce skills:

  • Over 3,200 users engaged in the first 18 months
  • 87 community partners collaborating to create opportunities
  • More than 5,000 hours of service reported—and growing daily
  • An estimated $168,500 in economic impact contributed to the local community

Your Collective Impact
Your support to the 
Center for Service and Volunteerism Fund helps expand Axe of Service and deepen its impact on students and communities alike. Gifts at every level directly support student engagement and career readiness:

  $1,000 Raised can...

  • Support the Student Service Ambassador program or help fund a large-scale service project engaging hundreds of volunteers.

  $5,000 Raised can...

  • Provide 10 microgrants for student-led service projects, empowering students to develop leadership, communication, and event-planning skills.

  $10,000 Raised can... 

  • Sustain the Axe of Service platform for an entire year!

By giving, you are investing in students’ growth, strengthening communities, and helping build a more engaged, skilled, and compassionate workforce.

Thank You for Your #AxeOfKindness
Thank you for supporting the Center for Service and Volunteerism this Giving Day. Whether you give through your treasure or your time, we are SO grateful. Interested in volunteering? We can help connect you!

Don't forget to share!

Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at foundation@nau.edu.

Give Early!