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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 OutreachBSU Service Learning volunteers at the Boys + Girls Club, Photo Patrick Sweeney

  • teaching, tutoring, mentoring, demonstrating, or presenting their knowledge and/or skills with a community partner. Ex: afterschool programs, parenting programs

2. Companionship / Personal assistance

Two smiling men conversing
  • spending time with people from target populations (ex: people who identify as elderly, refugee, homeless, youth at risk, people with disabilities) to offer support with language, storytelling, technology, etc.)

Indirect Service

3. Design and ProductionThree people, one using a mobility scooter, at a research presentation

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

4. Background Research/ Issue AnalysisPeople conversing about a research presentation

  • 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

5. Community Outreach and ImpactPeople speaking at an information table.

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

6. Field ExperienceStudents conducting field research at a creek.

  • designing experiments, collecting data, or contributing to ongoing studies through data monitoring for community partners. Ex: Idaho Fish and Game, Foothills Learning Center

7. Advocacy

Boise Capitol building
  • 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.