Launch big ideas for bigger impact with SCAD SERVE
SCAD SERVE empowers SCAD students, faculty, and staff to make meaningful contributions through intentional initiatives that improve quality of life for our communities.
“For more than 45 years, SCAD has exemplified generous volunteerism through myriad worthwhile endeavors — computer donations for schoolchildren, historic preservation at Sapelo Island's First African Baptist Church, tons of produce gifted from SCAD Back40's organic farm, SCAD Buzz Bus education supplies for schools, artworks for hospitals, the beautification of public spaces through SCAD Paint Our Parks, and much, much more. SCAD's renowned expertise and altruism uplift our neighbors and help those in need.” — SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace
The four pillars of SCAD SERVE
In the university’s hometowns of Atlanta and Savannah, SCAD SERVE focuses on four critical areas of need: food, shelter, clothing, and the environment.
Food
Shelter
Clothing
Environment
SCAD SERVE leverages energy, education, and intellect
SCAD SERVE focuses the vast knowledge of more than 700 professors and the entire SCAD learning community — spanning 100+ degree programs — to alleviate suffering and help those in need.
This initiative leverages the creative thinking and positive energy of SCAD students, alumni, faculty, and staff in three ways:
1. Volunteerism
The entire SCAD community is invited to participate in acts of service from coastal cleanup days to food donations.
2. Curriculum
SCAD professors incorporate SCAD SERVE objectives into curriculum across 40-plus disciplines to lead ideation and concept development. Volunteerism, public service, and social impact are and always have been an integral part of SCAD’s character. The university’s Design for Good courses employ SCAD students’ collective brilliance through elevated, community-centric solutions that make a difference in our hometowns of Atlanta and Savannah.
3. Studio
Multidisciplinary teams of students and faculty work together in a professional studio environment to develop design solutions for broad practical application. Professional SCAD alumni provide mentorship, enhancing career preparation and positive outcomes.
SCAD SERVE Community Fund
At SCAD, we are deeply committed to uplifting and supporting our hometown communities of Atlanta and Savannah in meaningful ways. Through the SCAD SERVE Community Fund, we extend this commitment by collaborating with local community leaders to provide vital financial support to work that will enhance community safety and education, as well as the SCAD SERVE four pillars of critical need: food, shelter, clothing, and the environment.
These grants represent more than just financial contributions; they will generate innovative, tangible, and sustainable outcomes that directly address pressing issues faced by our communities. Moreover, these initiatives further amplify the positive economic influence that SCAD has on our local economies.
According to a recent study by Tripp Umbach, SCAD generates a remarkable $1.3 billion in economic impact for Georgia each year. This impact is felt across various sectors, including job creation, student and visitor spending, events, construction, alumni earning power, public safety enhancements, and charitable giving. Together, we are building stronger, more vibrant communities where creativity thrives and opportunities abound.
I am so grateful to the Savannah College of Art and Design, and to President Wallace, because they answered the call.”
— Van Johnson, Mayor of Savannah
Empowered ideas. Lasting impact.
Share your big-picture idea for benefiting the community based on the four SCAD SERVE pillars to scadserve@scad.edu.