More than 525 incoming students will participate in the outreach program.
TRENTON -- Princeton University students were at the Catholic Youth Organization's on South Broad Street Wednesday to help with repairs and beautification projects.
The students' hard work and sweat allows the organization to pay for maintenance fees for after-school programs for children, said Thomas Mladenetz, the CYO's executive director.
"We depend on volunteers," Mladenetz said in praising the students.
A total of 14 students - from New Jersey, Indiana, California and elsewhere - were tasked with the beautification of the Catholic Youth Organization.
Rita Keazer said it was the first time working with her hands to maintain a structure.
"I like it -- it's fun," Keazer said. "It's hard and it's fun."
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The students participatein these community engagement projects as part of Community Action, a university program designed to make community service part of the college experience.
"After moving into their residential colleges, all first-year students at Princeton participate in a small group experience," said Elsie Sheidler, the senior director for the university's Pace Center for Civic Engagement.
"While the experiences vary -- from outdoor activities, to community engagement, to athletic practice -- they all welcome students to Princeton and underscore the university's values of service, community and leadership," Sheidler said.
More than 525 incoming students will participate in the community-based outreach program, the university says.
Another group of Ivy League students helped Habitat for Humanity with an ongoing home-building project on North Clinton Avenue in East Trenton.
"It's a great freshman experience -- I really enjoyed my time." Mathini Vaiknathan, a fellow student, who is also an undergraduate leader for the group, said.
"I really commend the University for trying to get the students to realize there's a bigger world beyond campus," Mladenetz said.
Greg Wright may be reached at gwright@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregTheWright. Find NJ.com on Facebook.