Service Learning as a Vehicle for Revitalization of Education Institutions and Urban Communities

Despite the natural tendency for a partnership between urban universities and urban social service providers, the author notes that service learning (as currently practiced) is not an effective vehicle for improving urban areas and promoting citizenship within college students. Mandated service learning by university students does not promote responsible and autonomous individuals. The author outlines the history of service learning and higher education in urban settings. He concludes that academically based community service, and not service learning, holds the greatest promise for producing structural change needed to reduce the deprivation and human suffering found in United States cities. (SH)