Benefits of Service Learning
Mission
To engage students in meaningful, life expanding, and educationally enriching service learning opportunities that will change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of students and other stockholders while expanding their commitment to community and civic responsibility.
Definition
Service learning is a teaching method that combines community service with academic instruction focusing on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community.
Student Benefits
- Experience learning in the "real world"
- Learn new skills
- Explore careers
- Make a difference in the community by sharing your skills and knowledge
- Network to future job opportunities
- Enhance self-confidence, interpersonal and leadership skills
- Expand problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Enhance your resume with real life experiences
- Experience diversity in many settings
Faculty Benefits
- Discipline content enrichment-connect real world to classroom instruction
- Provide students opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, writing skills, and a sense of civic responsibility
- Student retention
- Meets core educational requirements
- Supports mission of the college
- Increased enrollment
- Professional development
Community Partner Benefits
- Increased service to clientele
- Increased productivity and effectiveness
- Expanded public image
- Community goodwill / increased exposure of policy issues
- Partnership development
- Potential employees
- Potential volunteers