Service Learning and Civic Engagement
"Students who participate in service-learning are likely to continue to work all their lives in many different ways to improve the world around them, with lasting benefits for our country and our planet."
--Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Service Learning combines classroom instruction with community service, focusing on critical, reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility. Service Learning programs involve students in activities that address local needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community.
All first-year students in University Seminar courses participate in a service-learning activity during their first semester. In addition, students are encouraged to continue participating in community service and volunteer work beyond the first year as a part of the Leadership Certificate.
Service Learning is an important component in leadership development. Many different leadership models-including Servant Leadership and the Social Change Model for Leadership-emphasize the importance of service learning and voluntarism as necessary to leadership development.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Office of Leadership Programs has coordinated with the Office of Career Services to post all volunteer and service learning opportunities on CareerQuest, the official online resume posting and job listing service for Lawrence Tech.Students looking for these opportunities should go to www.ltu.edu/career_services, click CareerQuest and do a keyword search for "volunteer."
Scholarships for Volunteers
There are many opportunities to earn scholarships for participating in volunteer work and community service. For more information, visit the Scholarships for Volunteering and Community Service website.
Students who are regularly involved in volunteer work should inquire about possible awards from the agency where they provide the community service. Such places as hospitals and nursing homes, veterans groups, churches, mosques and synagoges, historical societies, and other community service organizations provide scholarships to recognize outstanding community service by young volunteers.