The Leadership and Service Center is an educational support area in the Department of Student Activities focused on empowering Texas A&M University students to develop as active citizens through experiential education. This is accomplished by educating students about social issues, connecting them to quality community service opportunities, providing supportive resources, and challenging them to internalize their experiences and act upon their awareness to make a positive impact in their community. You can help us reach our goal of creating a richer experience for our students. We want to support faculty in the education and development of our students by unifying the in-class and out-of-class experiences.
What is Service Learning?
Service-Learning is a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities for reflection designed to promote student learning and development.
Service-Learning in Higher Education (Jacoby, 1996)
We believe true campus and community engagement occurs when a student’s personal development is fully integrated with learning. Through intentional programs, services, advising, and advocacy, we encourage students to become engaged in meaningful learning experiences. Student Affairs practitioners are natural partners for faculty members who are interested in creating a holistic learning experience for students.
Benefits of Service Learning*
- Enhanced academic content through structured, real-life opportunities for application of disciplinary subject matter coupled with critical reflection;
- A positive effect on student personal development, such as a sense of personal identity, spiritual growth, and moral development;
- A positive effect on interpersonal development and the ability to work well with others, leadership, and communication;
- Improved student satisfaction with college;
- A positive impact on graduation rates;
- Engagement in active learning that demonstrates the relevance and importance of academic work for their life experience and career choice;
- Increased awareness of current societal issues as they relate to academic areas of interest and development of civic responsibility through active community involvement.
*Adapted from: What We Know about the Effects of Service Learning on College Students, Faculty, Institutions, and Communities, 1993-2000: Third Edition by Eyler, Giles, Stenson, and Gray
Service Learning Grant
The Service Learning Grant is awarded in two categories. Category I is focused on faculty and students interested in integrating service-learning components into either existing curriculum or independent study courses. Category II is designed for student organizations identifying as service as a primary or secondary focus in organization mission statements. Funding in this area supplements student organizations seeking to create, enhance or assess service-learning components as a part of organizational development.
Service Learning Resources
We want to share our resources with you. We look forward to developing positive, productive relationships with TAMU faculty. Please let us know how we can work together!
The Leadership and Service Center can assist you in the following ways:
- Facilitate workshops on various topics related to active citizenship and service.
- Work with you to develop educational activities, workshops, tools, or programs to meet your specific curricular goals, outcomes, and needs.
- Help identify service-learning opportunities or community partners.
- Provide access to teaching tools for service-learning, social issues education, and more.
- Facilitate reflection activities.
- Provide consultation and other assistance as needed.
Resources, Teaching Tools, and Presentations are available on the following topics:
- Active Citizenship
- Planning Quality Community Service
- Reflection
- Social Issues Education
- Funding and Grant Opportunities
Custom programs may be developed upon request!
Contact the Leadership and Service Center by e-mailing serve@stuact.tamu.edu or calling (979)845-4878.