Benefits to Students of Service-Learning Through a Food Security Partnership Model

This research adds to service-learning knowledge by positing student outcomes within the context of a themed universitywide approach to community service learning (CSL) and a unique partnership model. The five dimensions of the partnership model delineate deatures of a CSL program organized around a food security theme. Research questions concerned the impact of the food security CSL experience on students' attitudes and skills in academic and civic domains. The authors found that CSL participation enhanced the students' development byond the acquisition of the academic course knowledge: over a semester in CSL courses, the sample of 231 students showed gains in academic skills, attitudes about aspects of civic responsibility, and knowledge of current events. Some gender and age group differences were identified, as well. The approach taken in organizing the CSL program around a good security theme challenges traditional university approaches to knowledge transmission.