Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, to teach civic responsibility, and to strengthen communities. 

Service-learning is a process of involving students in community service activities combined with facilitated means for applying the experience to their academic and person development. It is a form of experiential learning like internships and cooperative education. It is also student-driven, hands-on, and directly applicable to the curriculum.

The critical difference and distinguishing characteristic of service learning is its reciprocal and balanced emphasis on both students learning and addressing real needs in the community. Course learning objectives are linked to meaningful human, safety, educational, and environmental needs that are co-determined with community partners and service recipients. Course materials such as lectures, readings, discussions, and reflection activities supplement the student service. In turn, the service experience is brought back to the classroom to enhance the academic dialogue and student comprehension. Student work on real problems that make academic learning relevant while simultaneously enhancing their social skills, analytical ability, civic and ethical responsibility, self-efficacy, and career development (Office of Civic Engagement & Service Learning, Fayetteville State University, 2015). 

Current Service Learning Opportunities