Drake University Engaged Citizen Corps is an intentionally designed curriculum and service year experience for entering first year students that exposes members to issues of social justice while providing them hands on experience to impact the Des Moines community. Members dedicate themselves not only to weekly service hours but to making connections between their community experiences and academic pursuits. The service is directly integrated into the assignments and activities of 4 courses (15 credits) and still allow students the opportunity to take other courses towards the pursuit of their major. Service sites represent agencies working across multiple areas of economic and community development for example affordable housing, transportation and bikability, health and safety, business cultivation, and arts and culture.