Service-Learning is a process through which college students are involved in community work that contributes significantly to positive change in individuals, organizations, neighborhoods, and/or large systems in a community. It also contributes to students' academic understanding, civic development, personal or career growth, and/or understanding of larger social issues. 

Service-Learning is located in the middle of a continuum where internships/practica form one end (primarily focused on students' career development) and volunteer activities (primarily focused on service to others) form the other end. Thus, Service-Learning is unique in its equal focus on both the service being provided and the learning that is occurring.

Service-Learning:
 

• is a powerful means of learning

 
• addresses human needs that would otherwise remain unmet

 
• advances the personal growth of students as members of the 

community
 
• gives expression to the obligation of public and community service by educated people

 
• sets academic institutions in right relationship to the larger society

 
• is experiential learning

© 1999-2006 South Dakota Service-Learning Program