What is Service-Learning?
Service-Learning is a teaching approach that connects college courses with community service. Students complete service as part of a specific course, with activities intentionally linked to classroom learning and focused on applying course concepts and skills in real-world, community-based settings.
Unlike general volunteering, Service-Learning responds to community-identified needs while also supporting student learning, positioning community organizations as active partners in the educational experience.
What Does Service-Learning Look Like for Community Organizations?
Service-Learning partnerships vary by course, but most follow a similar structure.
What types of service can students perform?
Students may engage with your organization through hands-on service roles (like helping with food distribution or supporting programs) or through project-based support (such as developing marketing materials or reviewing and suggesting improvements to policies or manuals).
Who are the students?
Students come from a wide range of Boise State programs and academic backgrounds.
How long do students serve?
Most students serve with one community organization for 10–20 hours over the course of a semester.
What is my role as a community partner?
Community partners help define service activities and provide basic orientation and supervision, while faculty remain responsible for course design and academic expectations.
What Are the Essential Elements of a Service-Learning Partnership?
A successful Service-Learning partnership is built on shared purpose, clear communication, and mutual benefit.
Why Service-Learning?
- Build organizational capacity through consistent, course-based student support aligned with real work.
- Develop talent pipelines by working alongside students who may become future employees, interns, or long-term collaborators.
- Engage motivated students who bring curiosity, energy, and a learning mindset to their service.
- Increase awareness of your mission and impact as students deepen their understanding of your organization and the community issues you address.
- Strengthen and grow connections with the university and the broader community through reciprocal, collaborative partnerships.
What are some examples?
- Social Work: Help a person in rehab find sober housing and access to community resources.
- Biology: Help to educate cancer patients about their specific type of cancer.
- Psychology: Engage with a senior citizen as a resident companion at a long term care facility.
- Personal Health: Students help refugees learn English and nutrition.
What Next?
Getting Started as a Service-Learning Community Partner
New to Service-Learning? Our Preparing for Service-Learning guide walks you through the full process—from exploring partnership fit to submitting the Community Partner Inquiry Form.
Service-Learning staff are available to answer questions, discuss your organization’s needs, and help determine whether Service-Learning is a good fit for your capacity and goals.
Partnership Resources Once you’re ready to explore or begin a partnership, the following resources provide additional guidance and clarity:
- Best Practices Practical guidance and ideas for creating meaningful and effective Service-Learning experiences.
- Roles/Responsibilities A clear overview of expectations for community partners, faculty, students, and Service-Learning staff.