South Dakota Service-Learning: Service

Service flag

IPS-L programs are unique in their combination of formal academic study and substantive hands-on community service.

Service

The service element of our program has been designed to help students achieve the goals of Service-Learning, namely (1) to allow life experiences to inform one's learning, (2) to apply academic knowledge in real-life settings, (3) to broaden one's understanding of various realities, (4) to encourage reflection, including the examination of one's assumptions and values, (5) and to recognize one's connection and responsibility to their local communities and to the larger society.

Therefore, the service component of Service-Learning is a substantial and integrated aspect of your experience. Service placements are based on skills and information on student applications as well as community service needs.

Michelle, Rainbow Youth Project, McLaughlin, South Dakota, Fall '98

Service Sites

Service opportunities are available on all South Dakota Indian reservations, including the Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Cheyenne River, Standing Rock, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Sisseton, Yankton, and Flandreau Santee Sioux tribal reservations.

Service sites available include:

tribal daycare centers
Head Start programs
after-school activity programs
Boy's and Girl's Clubs of America
women's shelters
tribal high schools/elementary schools
tribal planning offices
tribal historical preservation offices/cultural centers
tribal community colleges

Rainbow Youth Project, McLaughlin, South Dakota

Service Opportunities

Service placements are matched with student interests and skills.

Beth, Grandma Etta, and Asiyah, Bear Soldier Community, McLaughlin, South Dakota, Summer '98

Home Stay

Students live in a Native American community while doing service work. Students who live with a Native American family experience cultural immersion. Students may participate in local cultural social activities, i.e., powwows, art shows, and other events.