Service-Learning

Service-learning is a teaching and learning methodology which fosters civic responsibility and applies classroom learning through meaningful service to the community.

Service-Learning is an exceptionally powerful, research proven teaching and learning method that enhances student learning and success, fosters civic understanding through active participation, improves personal and professional development, and provides service that addresses community needs. Structured reflection activities throughout the course help link the service course goals and outcomes. The service may include improvement of community resources, direct service to people in need, applied research, community outreach and education, or policy analysis and advocacy. The academic study may be in any discipline or combination of fields. 

Fresno State is a leader in the service-learning field, with an average of 170 service-learning course sections offered each year. The Richter Center provides support for faculty members, students, and community benefit agencies interested in service-learning.

Faculty can learn more about service-learning from the Faculty Service-Learning page and the Faculty Service-Learning Modules.

Students can learn more about service-learning from the Student Service-Learning Modules.

To follow are just a few of the published articles that describe service-learning and document it's high impact practices:

At a Glance: What We Know about The Effects of Service-Learning on College Students, Faculty, Institutions and Communities,

Service-Learning and Graduation: Evidence from Event History Analysis,

How Service Learning Affects Students 

Service-Learning: A Balanced Approach to Experiential Education.