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Service Learning

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

At the College of Central Florida, we recognize that learning extends beyond the classroom. Service Learning is a dynamic opportunity for students to make an impact in their community while gaining valuable real-world skills. By engaging in service projects, students learn to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways that benefit both themselves and those around them.

What is Service Learning?

Service learning is an innovative approach to education that blends community service with academic coursework. Students choose a project that aligns with their personal interests or social causes they care about. They create a plan to engage, execute their service, and reflect on their experiences through reports or presentations. Service learning can take many forms, including unpaid community service, internships, academic research, or work with nonprofit organizations or public initiatives.

Types of Service

Community Engagement

Community Engagement involves unpaid voluntary activities aimed at benefiting the local community by addressing social, environmental, or humanitarian needs. Whether it’s working with groups or an individual, this service aims to improve the quality of life for others.

Some examples of community engagement include:

  • Volunteering at local charities
  • Participating in environmental clean-up events
  • Assisting with educational programs
  • Engaging in activities that improve life in the community

The key focus of community engagement is to help others and make the community better, all without expecting any compensation.

Volunteer Service

Volunteer service is a flexible option, where students assist in various roles without necessarily focusing on one specific social issue. It’s about being available to help wherever there’s a need, making a difference in a variety of ways.

Why Should You Start Service Learning?

Participating in service learning offers students numerous benefits, including:

  • Personal and Professional Growth: Develop important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication
  • Real-World Problem-Solving: Apply classroom knowledge to real challenges faced by communities.
  • Skills Development: Enhance skills that are transferable to your career and personal life.
  • Community Connections: Build meaningful relationships and make a difference in the lives of others.
  • Career Readiness: Strengthen your resume with valuable work and volunteer experience.

Get Started

Step 1: Choose the type of service that interests you, whether it’s community service or volunteer work.
Step 2: Complete the Service Learning Approval Form and submit it to ServiceLearning@CF.edu.
Step 3: Wait for approval. Once approved, you can begin your service project.

For more information, contact the Service Learning Coordinator at ServiceLearning@CF.edu