Service Learning

Did you know that service learning first got started because students asked faculty for it? Service-learning can be a great tool for faculty to engage their students in hands-on learning with both an academic and civic purpose, all while having a positive impact in the community. Service learning is a form of experiential learning that provides students with opportunities to participate in organized service activities with non-profit, educational, social service, and government agencies that meet community needs while linking the service experiences to the course content.

Brianne McDonough of USA Today College explains, "These courses allow you to see how the subject you are learning can be applied through projects that address real-world concerns." We want the best education possible for the students of SSU, and we think service-learning is definitely a part of that package!

Service learning can look very different across different disciplines. Some projects are about getting outside: planting trees, painting murals, and more. Others take place in classrooms, among them reading to students, participating in pen-pal projects, and helping students research local history. Still others center around getting involved with a local community, through events such as wellness fairs, creating guides to local resources, and partnering with local agencies that offer assistance to community members.