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Types of SL Projects

Learning goals determine what type of project will best enhance student learning. Here is a range of project types.


Direct Service

1. Educational Outreach

BSU Service Learning volunteers at the Boys + Girls Club.

Teaching, tutoring, mentoring, demonstrating, or presenting their knowledge and/or skills with a community partner (i.e. Afterschool Programs, Parenting Programs).

2. Companionship or Personal Assistance

Two men sit together face to face, talking.

Spending time with people from target populations (i.e. individuals who are elderly, refugees, or homeless) to offer support with language, storytelling, technology, etc.

3. Field Experience

A group of people collect data in the field.

Designing experiments, collecting data, or contributing to ongoing studies through data monitoring for community partners (i.e. Idaho Fish and Game, Foothills Learning Center).


Indirect Service

4. Design and Production

Two women and a man using a scooter smile together for a photo.

Applying technical skills to design and/or produce a product for community partners. i.e. technical writing, curriculum development, designing adaptive devices, developing an app, revitalizing spaces, updating wayfinding, etc.

5. Background Research / Issue Analysis

A woman explains her research project poster.

Conducting a needs assessment, resource mapping, program evaluation, and/or background research on current issues for community organizations. Students may then work with community partners to disseminate to the public.

6. Community Outreach and Impact

Two people host a community outreach booth for the public.

Assist community partners in generating awareness, such as writing newsletter articles, developing or curating videos, assisting with outreach events, etc.

7. Advocacy

Boise Capitol building under a blue sky.

Working with community partners to advocate for action or to educate target groups about issues of public interest

See the Social Change Wheel for other types of SL projects.