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Service learning is a type of experiential learning that engages students in service within the community as an integrated aspect of a course.
· Over 10,000 Century students have participated in service learning since it began at Century College in 2000. · Century College students have contributed over 135,000 hours of service to the community. · Approximately 2,000 Century students participate in service learning each year. · Service Learning is incorporated into 40% of the programs at Century. · The 2008 national value of one volunteer hour is estimated to be $20.25, according to the Independent Sector. Since 2000, the averaged value of Century students’ service to the community is over $2.3 million.
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| class=MsoNoSpacing style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1">· Century College Service Learning has well over 100 close community partnerships.Century College is committed to providing a quality educational experience and serving the needs of the community. Service learning fulfills these goals by integrating academic instruction with community service. Through incorporating service learning in course curriculum, students increase their understanding of class material while using the concepts and theories to assist local community partners with projects and programs. Effective service learning courses involve students in course-relevant activities in partnership with a community organization, and structures opportunities for students to reflect on their service experience to gain a better understanding of course content and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. Century College’s Service Learning Department promotes mutually advantageous relationships between community partners, faculty members, and students. It facilitates the collaboration of these three groups by researching appropriate service learning sites, placing service learning students, and providing a clearinghouse for support, information, and problem solving. At Century College, service learning… · is integrated into specific courses at the discretion of faculty members or academic departments. Service learning students must meet specific requirements as determined by faculty. These include serving a minimum number of hours, selecting a service site that meets certain criteria, and completing reflection activities. The required time commitment varies among courses, but is usually between 10 and 40 hours per semester. · occurs on a semester basis. Service learning students are placed at the beginning of each semester. Although their obligation to a community partner is usually through the end of the semester, many students choose to continue their involvement. Also, some service learning courses are offered on an ongoing basis, allowing for longer term collaborations between community partners and Century College. · is monitored by the Service Learning Department. The Service Learning Department communicates on an on-going basis with community partners, students, and faculty to ensure that all needs are being met through the experience. · is recognized on student transcripts. Service learning hours are logged and listed in each student’s academic records. · is recognized at graduation. The designator in the commencement program indicates students that have completed over 40 hours of service learning while at Century College. What are Students Saying about Service Learning . . .
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