Community Colleges and Service Learning

The service-learning instructional methodology integrates community service with academic instruction and seeks to address local needs and develop students academic skills, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to the community. The following elements are important for effectively organizing a community college service-learning program: (1) start small; (2) identify key faculty who are interested in integrating service into their existing courses; (3) get help from faculty, administrators, service-learning teams, and volunteers; (4) conduct a community needs survey or resource inventory; (5) promote the program that fits local needs; (7) celebrate successes by expressing appreciation to students, faculty, and local supporters; (8) form partnerships with community agencies; (9) incorporate critical reflection for students into the program via journals, group discussions, or other methods; and (10) incorporate evaluation methods that measure changes in students' attitudes toward community service and their coursework. Other considerations include ensuring adequate legal coverage for off campus activities and establishing a strong infrastructure of financial and administrative support to sustain the program. Funding options include grants from state departments of education or local corporate foundations, federal money, grants from the Campus Compact Center for Community Colleges, or alumni. (Lists of service-learning publications and organizations and information on the American Association of Community Colleges' service-learning projects are included.) (ERIC)