Westminster’s Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning provides opportunities for all Westminster students to participate in intentional, authentic, and immersive experiences with local communities and institutions. These connections inspire and empower our students to become informed, actively engaged citizens and prepare them to take on leadership roles in their current and future communities. Through philanthropy education, community engagement, and service learning, the Glenn Institute is vital to our school’s mission of creating leaders of conscience.
Civic Engagement and volunteering are woven into the fabric of Westminster. From Pre-First to senior year, the Glenn Institute provides opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and the world around them through connecting with, learning from, and being of service to others.
Meghan James, Director, The Glenn Institute
About the Glenn Institute
The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation established The Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning in 2003. The Glenn Institute provides transformative educational experiences that engage the Westminster family in philanthropic education, active citizenship, and commitment to the common good.
One of the most inspiring experiences made possible by The Glenn Institute is Philanthropy 101, a summer course in which 15-20 Upper School students meet with Atlanta's philanthropic leaders, learn to identify their own service and philanthropy goals, and donate to an organization of their choosing. Philanthropy 101 was the precursor to the establishment of the Glenn Institute.
The Glenn Institute serves students from pre-first through twelfth grade, giving them opportunities to engage with the community and playing a vital role in the development of strong leadership for Atlanta and beyond.
The Glenn Institute's Approach
The Glenn Institute empowers students to engage with local and global communities through integrating service in the classroom, offering extracurricular opportunities to serve, and educating students about their potential for lifelong philanthropic impact.
Philanthropy
Education
Through philanthropy education, students engage with organizations to learn how they can use their time, talent, voice, and network to sustainably serve the common good. They also learn how individuals and organizations can identify and address particular needs in their community through philanthropic support.
Philanthropy 101
EngageATL
CATapult
Service Learning
Service learning happens at the intersection of academics and real-world challenges. Students seek effective solutions for authentic community needs through problem-based approaches that help meet curricular goals.
Spanish translation at Plaza Fiesta
Learning the science of happiness in JanTerm and giving back
Buddy program with students at Jacob's Ladder
Community Engagement
Our students develop compassion and civic responsibility through voluntary service to the community. Westminster offers countless service opportunities on and off campus throughout the year for all ages.
Alternative Gift Fair
Day of Service
Family Service Days
Philanthropy 101
Family Service Day
Alternative Gift Fair
Engage ATL
Serving Together
The Glenn Institute is led by a team of teachers from Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School, ensuring every student has the opportunity to grow through community engagement. Service and philanthropy are woven into the daily life of the School, while annual events bring the community together around the common purpose of giving back.
A Year in The Glenn Institute
The Glenn Institute is part of every Wildcat's education. Together, students and faculty give back throughout the year while growing as compassionate citizens and thoughtful leaders.
10
Family Service Days
55
after-school volunteer opportunities
716
pounds of food collected for the Atlanta Community Food Bank
16
Civic Engagement Fellows
59
organizations represented at the Alternative Gift Fair
12
$500 grants given to community organizations by Philanthropy 101 students
I really enjoy what we learn in EngageATL because it teaches us how we can solve problems happening in the world around us. The class is beneficial and interesting, and I feel like I’m making a difference.Student, Class of 2028
