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iCED Faculty Academic Service-Learning: Meaningful Service

Choosing a Service Partner

A service partner CAN BE one or more of these:   

  • A 501(c)3 organization
  • A nonprofit organization
  • A pro-bono initiative to meet a community need by a for-profit organization
  • A campus-based service provider (Single Stop, ACCESS, Food Pantry, STEM Tutoring etc.)
  • A public sector agency such as a school, government office, or a parks and recreation department
  • A community-led initiative such as a grassroots organization, coalition, or community group working to meet a clearly identifiable community need

A service partner IS NOT: 

  • An assignment or project for a course that is not linked to a service partner and/or a community need
  • A student club on campus
  • A for-profit organization (unless a pro-bono service to meet a community need is being provided)

                                 

 

A list of active service partners can be found on www.mdc.edu/serve. Course instructors are also encouraged to co-create AS-L experiences with new and existing service partners, as long as these meet the criteria above. Review the Examples by Discipline page in order to discover strategies.

Forms of Engaging with Service Partners

Direct Direct service is working directly for or with people who benefit from your service. Examples: Serve food for the homeless. Tutor, mentor, or coach youth. Visit with the elderly.
Indirect Service without being directly involved with those being served or providing service that benefits the environment or the community. Examples: Create brochures, flyers, or reports for a nonprofit organization. Build low-income housing. Fundraise for a cause.
Research Gathering and presenting information on areas of need – research will directly benefit the community, not for the purpose of increasing one’s own knowledge. Examples: Work in a laboratory that tests water for environmental restoration efforts. Conduct an oral history project recording the stories of recent immigrants.
Advocacy Advocacy is attempting to cause political or social action by working to influence the government or community leaders. Examples: Conduct information campaigns. Lobby on behalf of a community issue. Organize a letter writing campaign to elected officials.

Students Can Serve Off Campus

Students can serve at many campus-based service partners (such as the Food Pantry or ACCESS Department) or engage in service with an off-campus service provider in one of the following ways:   

  • Recruiting volunteers for a service partner
  • Raising funds for a service partner and awareness/education for their mission
  • Creating graphic design materials (brochures, websites, etc.) for the service partner  
  • Collaborating with service partner to bring their staff to campus for advocacy events