Service Learning is experiential learning first popularized in the 1990s. It embodies the ancient Confucian axiom, “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand." Service Learning seeks to involve students in the communities around them, thereby teaching these students about civic engagement.

To paraphrase the American Association of Community Colleges, Service Learning combines community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility to engage students. Service learning programs involve students in activities that address local and global needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community.

To put it another way, according to the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

Delta State University is excited to offer several classes that directly link service to learning.

To explore national resources on service learning, go to www.servicelearning.org.

Connect with the Delta Center for volunteer activity.