Citizenship and responsibility are core attributes developed as part of the Division III experience. Student-athletes giving back to communities adds to the comprehensive learning component of Division III.
 
The division’s official community service partner is the Special Olympics, though schools are encouraged to go beyond that partnership in their service efforts. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the lives of Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes through a mutual learning experience, provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympics athletes and Division III student-athletes within their communities, and raise awareness of Special Olympics programs and services.
 
This partnership provides the opportunity for student-athletes to engage with Special Olympics athletes and collaborate with existing student-led programs on campus. It also serves as another opportunity to demonstrate the citizenship and comprehensive learning attributes of Division III student-athletes. Additionally, student-athletes giving back to their local, national and international communities also provide a venue for citizenship and service.
 
The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiated its partnership with the Special Olympics in 2011. Since then, over 410 Division III institutions and 40 conference offices have dedicated more than 500,000 total hours and have raised over $390,000 for the group. This partnership has touched the lives of approximately 130,000 Special Olympics athletes and 96,000 Division III student-athletes.