What is Service Learning?
Service-learning is a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which students (a) participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and (b) reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility.
The major goal of Service Learning is to raise self-consciousness and awareness about relevant social/social justice issues, while promoting student involvement in addressing these issues.
- The student collaborates with a community partner for 60 hours through the semester.
- The Service Learning experience addresses a community-identified need (such as food security, affordable housing, human rights, youth asset building, intercultural connections, climate change, etc.) and promotes well-being and/or sustainability. The Service Learning project makes a clear positive community impact, often by increasing community capacity, reducing barriers, or building community.
- The Service Learning experience supports students in achieving specific learning outcomes, including academic learning and civic/community learning. The student demonstrates their learning through a project or reflection.
Current Service Learning Partners
- Jewish Family Services
- Charlottesville Ballet
- VCU Health
- Healing Sounds
- VCU's Office of External Affairs and Government Relations (VCU GR)
- Piedmont Pediatrics
- Commonwealth Senior Living
- Richmond Aging and Engaging
- Art for the Journey
- Massey Cancer Center
- Richmond Health and Wellness Program
- VCU Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research
- Legal Aid Justice Center
- Virginia Geriatric Education Center
- Achi Solutions
- Sentara Hospice Services
- Virginia Council on Gambling
- Women of Connection Ministries
- 2 Hype foundation
- Birth in Color
- Fusion Rehab and Wellness
- Crossover Healthcare Ministry
- Urban Baby Beginning
- Commonwealth Catholic Charities
- VCU Office of the VP
- Shalom Farms
- VCU RecWell
- Virginia Center on Aging
- Sportable
Interested in Becoming a Service Learning Partner?
If you are interested in learning more about our program and how you can become a partner, please complete the Service Learning Partner Interest form. We will be in touch soon.
Contact Us
Lauren Mortensen
Assistant Director, BS Health Services Program
Director, Service Learning
lcmortensen@vcu.edu
Chansa Mwila
Service Learning Coordinator
mwilac@vcu.edu