Columbia City
After-School SERVE
Columbia City SERVE
What To Expect
After School SERVE (SERVE) is a volunteer program designed for students in grades 9-12, emphasizing the development of job skills, resume building, and community service. Participants will not only assist younger students but also serve as role models, all while enjoying a fun and engaging environment!
Running concurrently with the After School Central program for middle school students, SERVE provides high schoolers with the chance to help coordinate daily activities, apply their skills within the facility, and enhance their resumes for future opportunities.
Grades 9–12
Free. Every Center program is free to local youth.
The Center, 201 W. Market Street, Columbia City. Use Door 1.
Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45 to 6:00 PM
Getting Started
How Do I Sign Up?
The SERVE program is exclusively for high school students and requires an application and interview before acceptance. Students should complete the application form using the Apply button at the bottom of this page. Please allow 48 hours for processing.
Once accepted, students can take Bus 33 directly to The Center, courtesy of Whitley County Consolidated Schools. Please note that transportation home is not provided, and all SERVE students must be picked up by 6:15 p.m.
Wellness Mondays
Monday Schedule
Wellness Mondays aim to engage students in dynamic learning experiences focused on character development. These sessions delve into essential skills, including social and emotional wellness, effective communication, and health and fitness.
3:30 to 4:00 PM
Snack & Free time
4:00 to 4:10 PM
Announcements
4:10 to 4:30 PM
Icebreaker
4:30 to 5:00 PM
Character Development Activity
5:00 to 5:15 PM
Small Groups
5:15 to 5:50 PM
Free Time
5:50 to 6:00 PM
Clean Up
6:00 PM
Departure
Option Thursdays
Thursday Schedule
Talent Thursdays aim to help students explore and develop their artistic, athletic, academic, and career potential. On Talent Thursdays, SERVE students will participate in a SERVE meeting focused on leadership characteristics and strategies, followed by 30 minutes of engaging activities such as art, sports, or college and career readiness workshops.
3:30 to 4:00 PM
Snack & Free time
4:00 to 4:10 PM
Announcements
4:10 to 4:45 PM
Homework Time
4:45 to 5:15 PM
Art/Sports/Career Activity Time
5:15 to 5:50 PM
Free time
5:50 to 6:00 PM
Clean up
6:00 PM
Departure
Our Team
Meet Our Staff
At The Center, we believe students need healthy role models. Learn more about our SERVE-CC staff below.
Liam Strong
Director of Columbia City Programs & Life CoachLiam joined The Center during the 2023-2024 school year as Co-Director of Programming for Columbia City, and he loves building relationships and watching students grow.
Ready for What’s Next
Preparing Students for Life After High School
Center students also took part in 8 college and career visits last year.
100%
Of seniors said their adult mentors increased
89%
Of seniors said The Center helped them through their teen years
149
Career-exposure experiences for students
38
Students said The Center helped them with employment
Source: 2025–26 Mission Impact Report, senior class survey and career data across Center programs.
What Are They Saying?
“It helps me see myself in a positive light as I grow, and I hope that I can encourage others to see themselves that way too.”
After-School Student“It’s the one place I can go where I don’t feel indebted to someone.”
After-School StudentReady To Join Us?
Students apply using the button below. Please allow 48 hours for processing.