Service-Learning Courses
The best way for students to initially get involved in service-learning is to take an academic service-learning course; between 90-100 are typically offered every year. These courses create meaningful partnerships between students, community partners, and faculty to provide students with hands-on learning in real-world situations.
These courses are designated "SL" on the schedule of courses, meaning that they will include a community-engaged element that connects to the academic content. SL courses range from introductory-level to seminars to senior capstones, and may include:
- direct service, interacting directly with a client population or providing needed services
- consultancy, where — instead of volunteering — you are producing a deliverable or working on a professional-level project for your community partner
- community-based research, collecting and/or analyzing data on behalf of a community partner.
For Advisors and Students
Many students wish they found community-engaged courses (Civic Learning and Service-Learning) earlier in their college journey, as these provide community connections and real-world learning opportunities that many students value.
The good news is, there are plenty of community-engaged courses with minimal prerequisites, making them a great option.