Student Resources

What exactly is service learning?  Why should I take a service learning course? 

Benefits of Service Learning for students

• Increase your understanding of the class topic
• Gain hands-on experience (possibly leading to an internship or job later)
• Explore or cement your values and beliefs
• Have opportunities to act on your values and beliefs
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities
• Learn more about social issues and their root causes
• Improve your ability to handle ambiguity and be open to change; become more flexible
• Develop or enhance your skills, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership
• Test out your skills, interests, and values in a potential career path, or learn more about a field that interests you
• Connect with professionals and community members who you will learn from
• Grow a professional network of people you might connect with again later for jobs or internships
• Satisfy your urge toward public service or civic participation
• Enriches student learning of course material and “brings books to life and life to books.”
• Engages students in active learning that demonstrates the relevance and importance of academic work for their life experience and career choices.
• Increases awareness of current societal issues as they relate to academic areas of interest.
• Broadens perspectives of diversity issues and enhances critical thinking skills.
• Improves interpersonal skills that are increasingly viewed as important skills in achieving success in professional and personal spheres.
• Develops civic responsibility through active community involvement.