Community Outreach Involvement

Volunteering for causes and organizations you believe in can be a powerful way to learn about your community while making a positive impact.

ScrippsAssists™ is a volunteer club for Scripps Research students and employees who want to help make a difference in their community. The group provides the structure and organization to match the many talents and interests of Scripps Research employees with community needs.

Scripps Research students and employees who work together on volunteer projects get more than just personal satisfaction, they also learn new skills and build friendships while raising awareness of Scripps Research as an organization that cares deeply about its community.

ScrippsAssists™ members can participate in a variety of projects and activities. Leadership opportunities are available through project lead or committee positions.

Included below is a list of community outreach programs on both campuses that rely on the time, creativity and enthusiasm of Scripps Research graduate students and others at the institute. Graduate students are encouraged to volunteer for programs they find meaningful.

ScrippsAssists™ on the California campus supports community groups across San Diego. The goals of ScrippsAssists™ are:

  • To improve the quality of life for the people of San Diego County.
  • To demonstrate concern for the community reflective of Scripps Research values.
  • To enhance employee morale by building a sense of teamwork through volunteer service.
     

The list below features regularly scheduled ScrippsAssists™ volunteer projects and campaigns. Check the group’s webpage for more detailed information and an updated list of volunteer initiatives.

Projects:

  • Alzheimer’s San Diego (ALZSD)
  • ElderHelp of San Diego
  • ScrippsAssists™ Cycling and Running Group
  • Volunteers Needed to Combat Food Insecurity
  • Sunday Lunch Service for Families in Need
  • Cleanup for Mother Nature
  • You Can Help Save Lives
  • Recycle! It's Good for the Planet!
     

Campaigns:

  • San Diego Food Bank Virtual Food Drive (ongoing)
  • Mama's Pies Bake Sale
  • Holiday Adopt-A-Family Campaign
  • Holiday Toy Drive

ScrippsAssists on the Jupiter, Florida campus of Scripps Research is a volunteer-led group that aims to include all interested students, faculty, and staff in internal and external community outreach activities. Graduate students and other campus community members are encouraged not just to participate but also play a role in developing and organizing impactful outreach projects, from engaging in holiday food preparation for those in need, to fundraising for medically-oriented 5K runs, to packing backpacks with school supplies for children without the financial means to afford their own – the group is always open to adding new projects that enhance the community and improve people's lives.

Recent ScrippsAssists Florida projects include:

  • Halloween Food Drive - Almost 500 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected and donated to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, which distributes food to nearly 100,000 individuals in need every month.
  • Juno Beach Clean Up - Volunteers join teams to remove trash and debris from the ecologically sensitive beaches, helping Florida plant and animal life flourish.
  • Thanksgiving Food Banks - packaging and delivering Thanksgiving food staples and prepared meals to those in need in our community
  • Run 4 The Pies 4-Miler (Thanksgiving “turkey trot”) - This charity run raised funds to supplement a local food pantry