Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities

Service-learning is an educational approach that integrates meaningful community service with academic coursework. It provides students with an opportunity to apply classroom theories to real-world problems, creating valuable learning experiences that foster a deeper understanding of both the subject matter and the social issues at hand.

As service-learning programs continue to grow across the United States, many colleges and universities have been recognized for their exceptional commitment to promoting volunteerism and community engagement, especially those included in the Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities. This guidebook identifies schools that prioritize hands-on learning, community involvement, and the development of civic responsibility, recognizing their contributions to shaping socially-conscious graduates. Among the leading institutions highlighted in this guidebook are Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Sacred Heart University (SHU), Suffolk University, and Humboldt State University (HSU), each of which has demonstrated a strong commitment to service-learning.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) has long been a leader in integrating community service with academic programs. In 2007, IUPUI was selected for inclusion in the inaugural edition of the Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities, cementing its reputation as a university with a robust service-learning program. The university's recognition stemmed not only from its dedication to academic excellence but also from its commitment to engaging students in meaningful service to the community. The Sam H. Jones Community Service Scholarship Program at IUPUI is a shining example of the institution’s efforts to combine volunteerism with academics. This program allows students to earn scholarship funds by participating in service projects and engaging with local nonprofit organizations, which ultimately enhances their educational experience while fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

IUPUI’s commitment to service-learning extends across many of its academic disciplines, with faculty members incorporating community-based projects into their coursework. These projects provide students with practical experience and the opportunity to make tangible contributions to the community. For example, students in health sciences programs might work with local clinics to provide care to underserved populations, while students in business programs might assist small businesses with marketing strategies or financial planning. Through these initiatives, IUPUI has not only developed a reputation for academic rigor but has also become a leader in community engagement, with students actively working to address social issues and improve local communities.

Sacred Heart University (SHU), located in Fairfield, Connecticut, was first included in the Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities in the 2008-2009 edition, acknowledging its growing commitment to service-learning. The university has developed an extensive service-learning infrastructure through its Office of Volunteer Programs, which coordinates a wide variety of community service opportunities for students. SHU’s approach to service-learning is grounded in the belief that volunteering should not only benefit the community but also provide valuable learning experiences for students. This philosophy is embedded in the university’s curriculum, where students are encouraged to integrate volunteer work into their academic studies.

At Sacred Heart, students can choose from a variety of service-learning projects, many of which are tied to academic courses. For instance, students in psychology courses may participate in mental health initiatives, while students in education programs might work in local schools to provide tutoring or assist with after-school programs. This integration of service with academic coursework enriches the educational experience by providing students with real-world applications of their studies. Sacred Heart University’s focus on volunteerism and service-learning not only helps students develop essential professional skills but also fosters a sense of social responsibility and community engagement. The university’s commitment to volunteerism has earned it recognition as one of the nation’s top schools for service-learning, as it continuously strives to promote social change and give back to the community.

Suffolk University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, has earned significant recognition for its commitment to service-learning and volunteerism. The university received an Excellence in Service Learning Seal, an award given to fewer than 300 colleges and universities across North America for their outstanding service-learning programs. Suffolk University’s service-learning efforts are encapsulated in its S.O.U.L.S. (Suffolk’s Organization for Uplifting Lives through Service) Community Service and Service Learning Center, which coordinates a range of volunteer opportunities for students and faculty alike. S.O.U.L.S. provides both structured and unstructured service experiences, allowing students to engage with a diverse array of community organizations and initiatives.

Suffolk’s approach to service-learning is unique in that it fosters a strong connection between the academic and the extracurricular. Many students choose to take part in service-learning projects that directly complement their academic studies, allowing them to gain valuable hands-on experience in fields such as social work, law, business, and public health. Suffolk’s commitment to community service is not limited to its students but also involves faculty members who incorporate service projects into their courses, further ensuring that the academic and community service aspects of education are seamlessly integrated. Suffolk University’s extensive service-learning programs have had a transformative impact on both students and the broader Boston community, providing students with opportunities to engage in meaningful work while helping to address local social and economic issues.

Humboldt State University (HSU), located in Arcata, California, is another notable institution recognized for its service-learning programs. In 2009, HSU was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service, highlighting its commitment to fostering civic engagement and community service among its students. Humboldt State’s service-learning initiatives have long been integrated into the university’s academic programs, where students are encouraged to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems through volunteerism and community involvement. The university has earned a spot in Beyond the Books: A Guide to Service-Learning Colleges & Universities, thanks to its efforts to enrich learning and strengthen communities through service.

HSU’s service-learning programs focus on a wide range of issues, from environmental sustainability to social justice. Students in environmental studies programs, for example, might work on local conservation projects, while students in social work may partner with local nonprofits to provide services to marginalized populations. These experiences allow students to gain practical, hands-on skills while making meaningful contributions to the community. HSU’s emphasis on service-learning also fosters a sense of responsibility and community awareness, encouraging students to become active citizens who are committed to social change.

The universities highlighted in the Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities represent a growing movement within higher education to incorporate community service into the educational experience. These institutions understand that learning does not solely happen within the walls of the classroom, and they have embraced the idea that hands-on, community-based learning is crucial to preparing students for success after graduation. By engaging with real-world problems and collaborating with community organizations, students develop essential skills, including problem-solving, communication, and leadership, which are invaluable in their future careers.

Moreover, the service-learning programs at these universities help foster a deep sense of social responsibility and encourage students to actively contribute to the well-being of their communities. Whether through direct service, research projects, or partnerships with local organizations, these schools are ensuring that their students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with a strong commitment to civic engagement. The inclusion of institutions like IUPUI, Sacred Heart, Suffolk University, and Humboldt State in the Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities underscores the importance of service-learning in shaping the next generation of leaders and changemakers. These schools are paving the way for future generations to use their education and skills to make a positive impact in the world.