"Service learning combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity change both the recipient and the provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content".

National Service Learning Clearinghouse, Learn and Serve America, Corporation for National and Community Service

“During your Service Learning experience you will learn about the ‘others,' finding out about their lives, thoughts, and struggles, and finally, discovering who you are.”

Sarah Blusiewicz, Sondheim Scholar

College Gardens Community Center
After school program with impoverished children or adolescents, tutoring and other social activities

Empirical studies have shown that students participating in service learning develop:

• Deeper understanding of the complexity of social issues
• Increased ability to apply material learned in class to real problems
• A reduction of negative stereotypes and an increase in tolerance for diversity
• Increased leadership skills
• Increased feeling of being connected to a community
• Greater self knowledge

Adapted from Janet Eyler and Dwight E. Giles. Where's the Learning in Service-Learning?
San Francisco : Jossey-Bass. 1999

For further information:

The Shriver Center at UMBC promotes service learning, civic engagement, and community-based service delivery through internships, service learning, and community involvement opportunities.

National Service Learning Clearinghouse America's premier website supporting the service-learning efforts of schools, higher education institutions, communities, and tribal nations.

Campus Compact A national coalition of close to 850 college and university presidents committed to the civic purposes of higher education by creating a supportive campus environment for the engagement in community service and a great source for service learning information.