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Creating a Student Initiated Project

The Student Initiated Project (SIPs) form is for students designing their own service-learning project.

Want to create your own service-learning project? The SIP form is your first step—but only after you’ve connected with a nonprofit or government organization and confirmed your project details with them. This is a true partnership, so get their commitment before submitting the form.

How to Choose Your Project:

  • Know your course goals. What does your instructor want you to learn?

  • Pick a meaningful service site. Ask yourself:

    1. What community issue matters to me?

    2. Which organizations match my interests? Use our potential partner list, VolunteerMatch.org, or JustServe.org. 

    3. What kind of work will challenge and teach me?

    4. What days/times can I serve?

    5. Do I need a site near campus or public transit?

  • Keep in mind these requirements:

    1. Review Activities that qualify as Service-Learning (e.g., the project must address a community-identified need or goal, and the student should involve the community in planning the project). 

    2. If you plan to serve on-site, the community organization should have volunteer liability insurance (this protects you if something happens)

Tips for Success:

  • Check out our Top Ten Tips for SIPs.

  • Start early. Some organizations take time to respond.

  • If you don’t hear back in 3 days, contact the Service-Learning staff.

  • Treat your service like a class: schedule it, show up, and follow through.

  • Review SL Risk & Safety Guidelines before getting started.

Ready to Propose a SIP?

Submit the SIP form (or your instructor’s version if they provided one) to your instructor.