Service-Learning

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What is Service-Learning?

Facilitated through and supported by Northeastern’s Center of Community Service (CCS), Service-Learning (S-L) is a form of experiential learning involving partnerships between faculty-led academic courses and community-based organizations.  Through these partnerships students engage in hands-on service roles and projects by which they learn about and apply course concepts while intentionally addressing the needs/ interests identified by our community partners.

Why Service-Learning?

Through academic courses utilizing S-L, this form of experiential education serves as an educational tool that supports Northeastern’s academic and civic mission.  During the S-L process, faculty and students work in collaboration with our community partners to positively contribute to our local and global communities by addressing community interests and needs through the creation and translation of course specific skills and knowledge. 

Beyond the outcomes and accomplishments of a given semester, each individual member of an S-L partnership not only receives certain immediate benefits, but more importantly, each is open to new possibilities of  how they and their partners are able to continuously contribute to their communities throughout their lifetime. 

Who is Service-Learning?

• Students, undergraduate and graduate (service-learners)
• Faculty members
• Community Partners (non-profit and community-based organizations)  
• Service-Learning Teaching Assistants (S-LTAs)
• CCS Service-Learning Program Staff

How does Service-Learning differ from community service?

Although learning can occur through any type of service experience, S-L experiences are intentionally organized for student participants to learn and apply skills and knowledge specifically related to the learning objectives of the course.  Additionally, reflection imbedded throughout the experience is a great differentiating element, allowing for ongoing and shared growth among student service-learners and providing the instructor with the ability to evaluate students based on measurable educational outcomes from their service.