Volunteering is a key part of the College of Charleston experience. In addition to service learning within academic courses, the College sponsors the annual MLK Challenge, in which teams of students, faculty and staff complete service projects throughout Charleston.

Students, faculty and staff at the College used the 2005 fall break to help people in the towns of Pearlington and Pass Christian, Miss., which were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The 75 volunteers primarily helped residents clear debris from their homes and yards, removing everything from downed trees to the detritus of life.