Activities that can qualify as Service-Learning

Activities can qualify as service-learning if they meet the following criteria. Sometimes there are grey areas; please contact the SL Director (KaraBrascia@boisestate.edu).

1. The student collaborates with a community partner, which can be 1) a nonprofit or public organization focusing primarily on the public good, or 2) an individual/collective/grassroots expert that has intimate knowledge and experience in the community. The community partner should be involved in designing the service and offering feedback.
2. The SL experience addresses a community-identified need (such as food security, affordable housing, human rights, youth asset building, intercultural connections, climate change, etc.) and promotes well-being and/or sustainability. The SL project makes a clear positive community impact, often by increasing community capacity, reducing barriers, or building community.
3. The SL experience supports students in achieving specific learning outcomes, including academic learning and civic/community learning. The student demonstrates their learning through a project or reflection.
4. The student’s investment in this project is 10+ hours.

Students who complete a project that meets these criteria can gain a Service-Learning transcript distinction for that class. This distinction demonstrates students’ commitment to serving the community while actively participating in hands-on learning.