Worth of What They Do, (The): The Impact of Short-Term Immersive Jewish Service-Learning on Host Communities: An Exploratory Study

This presentation gives information on an immersive Jewish service-learning program carried out by the organization Repair the World and an exploratory study that followed the program. Little research had previously been carried out regarding community impact of short-term service-learning, so the research questions centered on the positive, negative, and unintended impacts of service-learning in communities, creating and maintaining relationships with communities, and recognizing promising practices for creating and maintaining these relationships. Research methods are discussed, as well as limitations. The main finding was that "positive host community experiences
are tied to practicesand partnershipsput into place by immersive Jewish service-learning programs"; community impacts and outcomes are shared, and promising practices are highlighted.