What is Service Learning?

Service Learning is a form of "hands on" learning that combines service to the community with classroom learning. It has four components:

Service Learning gives students the opportunity to learn classroom material in a different way than is traditionally taught in the classroom. Students themselves can explore the meaning of what they are learning with their professor in the classroom by applying what they are learning to meet real community needs. Service Learning is different from volunteerism because while Service Learning students are engaged in actions that meet community needs, they are also simultaneously meeting their own learning objectives. Non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and educational facilities cooperate with students and faculty to engage the student in a service learning placement that coincides with the material being learned in the class.


Community colleges in over 40 states currently offer service learning to their students. (AACC1995) Students get hands-on experience, potentially in career fields they are considering, and also improve their skills in communication and human relations, which are skills increasingly viewed by employers as important as they hire new employees. Nationally, 25% of service learners actually find employment with the agency once their service learning commitment is complete.


Students are supported throughout the service learning placement, and have the benefit of structured reflection time in the classroom. This allows students to share their experiences, consider how their service relates to the class material, learn from each other, and expand their awareness of community needs and resources. Ultimately, students are provided with opportunities to become civically engaged in our community, while having the support of faculty, community agencies within Cibola County, and the Service Learning Office here at NMSU Grants.


For more information, please contact:

Genevieve Humenay, SL Program Coordinator
Email: ghumenay@nmsu.edu
Phone: (505) 287-6634


Linda Marion, Project Director, Service Learning
Email: lmarion@nmsu.edu
Phone: (505) 287-6653


"The Service Learning Program is a proud recipient of a grant funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service Learn and Serve America Program through CNM Community College."