SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Service learning is a teaching method that is part of UCF’s initiative to provide a means for every student to enhance his or her academic program with experiential learning opportunities.

Service learning projects address community needs and require students to reflect on their activities in order to gain an appreciation for the relationship between civics and academics. This is different than an internship in that Service Learning projects require less contact hours (at least 15 hours per semester).  In addition, Service learning experiences are unpaid whereas internships may be paid or unpaid and require a minimum of 12 contact hours per week.  Service learning within the School of Public Administration provides an opportunity for students to work with community partners by collecting and compiling data and producing quality products that will be beneficial to nonprofit organizations. Students have been involved in the following projects:

• Volunteer program evaluation
• Strategic planning
• Grant proposals
• Nonprofit administration case study
• Nonprofit program evaluation

What can community partners expect from working with students?

• Projects will address a community and organizational need
• Faculty members will collaborate with an agency representative and with students
• Each student will complete at least 15 hours of work
• The final product will be high-quality and reviewed by at least one faculty member

What are the benefits of becoming a community partner with UCF?
For public and nonprofit organizations:

• Provides infusion of people power
• Meets client/agency needs
• Accesses university resources
• Explores new ideas and generates energy
• Reinvigorates supervisors/staff

For students:

• Enriches learning
• Connects theory to practice
• Explores majors and careers
• Fosters civic engagement
• Enhances employability

If you are interested in becoming a Service Learning partner, please submit our Service Learning Request Form