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