Service Learning–it’s a big trend gaining increased popularity on college campuses nation-wide. Do you know someone–a son or daughter, niece or nephew, grandchild or friend–currently in college who is participating in a Service Learning program? If so, you may be quietly wondering about the specifics of this experiential education approach and feeling eager to learn more.

So, what exactly does “Service Learning” mean? When students enroll in a Service Learning course, it indicates the professor has included a community service component as a class requirement. The hands-on service component represents a large assignment, but it doesn’t necessarily replace other traditional requirements such as a research paper or final exam.

In a Service Learning course, students demonstrate an in-depth understanding by integrating the course material with the lessons gained from their direct service. This learning objective is typically accomplished through a paper, presentation, or other reflection method such as a journal. The amount of service and reflection required is decided by the professor. Consequently, Service Learning programs do vary depending on the academic focus, integration activities, and level of civic engagement.

Curious about the advantages of Service Learning? What do students gain from a Community Based Learning approach?
Benefits include:

Understanding the integration of theory and practice

Making a vital contribution to serve local community’s needs

Gaining civic skills and competencies

Sharing learning and service with peers

Acquiring leadership and mentoring skills

Learning in a real-world environment

Feeling enthusiasm for relevant coursework and community based problem-solving

From the Ivy League to state schools, many institutions of higher learning are now providing community based learning (CBL) for students. Currently, some of the most respected and innovative Service Learning and Civic Engagement programs are offered by: Northeastern (MA); Alverno College (WI); Antioch (OH); Brown (RI); Duke (NC); Georgetown (DC); Marquette (WI); Michigan State; Providence College (RI); Stanford (CA); Trinity College (CT); University of California-Berkeley; University of Colorado-Boulder; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; Notre Dame (IN); University of Pennsylvania and Colorado College. Opportunities for Service Learning abound from coast to coast.

With so many colleges designing and implementing Service Learning programs, there are more choices than ever for community-service oriented students. Encourage your college-bound children to check out schools, that implement Service Learning, in the geographic region(s) of interest to them. When students learn more by helping their local communities grow stronger, it’s a win-win for everyone!

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Hi Dr. Crespin,
My son just finished his junior year and is a dual major in Psychology and Government at a small liberal arts college out West. He mentioned he’s going to do a Service Learning program when he gets back to campus in the fall. I have some real concerns about his plan, as a parent, that I wanted to discuss with an educational specialist and career coach like you.

His grades have been good (mostly A’s, some B’s) and I want to make sure they stay that way. As you know, college now costs a small fortune; I don’t see any point in him taking on extra responsibilities that give him less time for homework and studying. Wouldn’t that hurt him when he enters the job market?

Also, I am wondering what Service Learning actually means? I’m not sure we had that at my school, but college for me was back in the day! I guess I’m just worried that Service Learning really isn’t worthwhile for my son, given the cost of college tuition these days.

Thanks for your advice.
Sincerely,
Concerned Mom

Dear Concerned Mom,
Thank you for your terrific questions! I’m happy to act as an educational and workplace consultant on your behalf. Now, let’s tackle the concerns you shared. For a detailed explanation of Service Learning, please take a look my other blog on this topic. It will orient you to this exciting, hands-on educational approach. You won’t want to miss it!

Participating in a Service Learning program will detract from neither your son’s coursework, nor any other academic plans. In fact, it’s an especially good match with your son’s dual major in Psychology and Government. Why? Because most Service Learning programs provide not just opportunities to serve the community, but also germane classes in civic engagement, leadership, and social justice.

Service Learning programs also vary somewhat. Northeastern University and Colorado College, for example, both offer exceptional but unique opportunities for students. For a better understanding of your son’s specific program, just go to his college’s website and enter the words “Service Learning” in the search engine. It’s perfectly alright to contact the Service Learning director by phone or email, too. Once you research it a bit, you’ll gain more clarity regarding the many benefits of his Service Learning program.

A final word of reassurance? Your son’s employability will be enhanced when he graduates. Service Learning experience impresses employers; it demonstrates maturity, empathy, teamwork skills, and a commitment to serving those in need. Coursework is also considered important, but as far as businesses are concerned, there’s no substitute for real world experience. After learning more about all the positives inherent in Service Learning, I hope you feel proud of your son’s decision. It’s a great one that will serve him (and the community) well!

Sincerely,
Dr. Cynthia A. Crespin

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Hi Dr. Crespin,

I’m so glad to have the chance to talk with an education expert like you. I know from your bio that you have tons of experience relating to college and career issues, so I wanted to ask you some questions, if that’s OK. Lately my niece, who is majoring in Business, has been talking a lot about doing a Minor in Leadership Studies. Yesterday, she told me she had decided to do it. For me, this seems like a big red flag. Shouldn’t she be focusing on her major?

What is this stuff anyway? We didn’t have it back in my day. Is it really worth her time, not to mention my sister’s (her mom’s) money? I’m just worried that this leadership thing is a big waste of time and that because it’s not standard coursework it could hurt her chances of getting a good job when she graduates.

Please let me know what you think. Your opinion means a lot to me.

Thanks,
Anxious Auntie

Dear Anxious Auntie,

Thanks for all the great questions! It’s great to hear from you and I’m glad to serve as a helpful resource for you. Let’s address those concerns of yours one at a time.

First, pursuing a Minor in Leadership Studies will not detract from her Business coursework, or any other coursework for that matter. On the contrary, it’s a big plus from many angles. A Minor in Leadership Studies is a natural accompaniment to almost any major. It’s like a Coke and fries, it goes great with just about everything! In particular, it’s a great fit with Business because most Minors in Leadership offer relevant classes in Ethics, Public Speaking, and Communication.

Programs that offer a Minor in Leadership Studies do vary, however. For example, Northeastern offers a three-track system. Students can choose to specialize in Public Policy, Women and Leadership, or Military Leadership. It’s easy to learn more about the specifics of your nieces Minor in Leadership Studies curriculum. Just go to the website for her college and use the words “Minor in Leadership Studies” in the search engine. If you prefer a more low-tech approach, go ahead and give the program director a call. After doing your research, you’ll have a clearer picture of exactly what she stands to gain.

Bottom line: Graduating with a Minor in Leadership Studies will only add to, and never detract from, your niece’s career options when she graduates. Employers will view her leadership training very favorably as it will enhance her ability to contribute professionally in the workplace, making her a much more valuable employee. As a result, she will have an edge over many of her classmates by taking this non-traditional route. After learning more about the benefits a Minor in Leadership Studies, I hope you feel more confident about your niece’s decision. She’s lucky to have an auntie like you looking out for her. Encourage her to go for it!

Best Wishes,

Dr. Cynthia A. Crespin

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Dear Dr. Crespin,

I am a busy exec burning the candle at both ends. Actually, calling me a workaholic would probably be an understatement. Non-stop emails, conference calls, meetings, reports. I am under the gun and in the office morning, noon, and night (weekends, too). The bottom line is that the responsibility for the future of the company rests on my shoulders and it’s a huge load to carry. Burn out seems almost inevitable in my line of work and the only solution I can see is to keep working harder and putting in longer hours. To add to the stress, my oldest daughter is a college sophomore majoring in “Communications and student loans.” Every time we call her, she says she’s swamped with classes, campus activities, and her social life. Why would either of us spend the virtually non-existent free time we have on leadership education?

Sincerely,
Overwhelmed Exec

Dear Overwhelmed Exec,

Thanks for your response. That’s a great question””for both of you! Sounds like your daughter and you could benefit from leadership education programming. Those who participate in leadership education acquire vital information and skills to enhance their productivity and professionalism.

Self-assessments, administered and interpreted by certified trainers and psychologists, play a key role in leadership education. The results offer new insights about yourself and illuminate areas for growth. By utilizing leadership education, you gain:

Ӣ Deeper self-awareness of your communication, conflict resolution, and leadership styles.
Ӣ Greater understanding of your specific strengths, challenges, and preferences.
Ӣ Skills for better time management and working more effectively with others.
”¢ Techniques to motivate others and empower others’ optimal performance.
Ӣ Clearer, more innovative vision for yourself and for your organization.
Ӣ More involvement in your community (i.e., civic engagement).
Ӣ Renewed motivation and sense of purpose.

In your daughter’s case, I recommend she build upon her campus involvement and join a student leadership program. Not only will it benefit her personally, but she’ll be more attractive to employers when she graduates if she has both leadership experience and training. And guess what else? A better job for her means she can pay back her student loans much more quickly, which would take pressure off you.

I urge you to pursue a specific kind of leadership education called executive coaching. For example, check out the Center for Creative Leadership www.ccl.org/; it has over 35 years of experience, an outstanding reputation, and plenty of options tailored to your needs. Think of it as an investment in yourself and your own success, not to mention your company’s. Give it a try and I think you’ll see it’s more than worth your valuable time.

Best of luck!

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More and more people, students and employers alike, are turning to leadership education for a competitive edge. Northeastern University www.neu.edu, famous for pioneering Co-op, has also been ahead of the trend in leadership education. A few years ago, I facilitated and designed the curriculum for LEGO (Leadership Education Growth Opportunities)–NU’s developmental leadership program.

My classes covered topics such as conflict resolution and communication styles, gender and leadership styles, and multicultural awareness in the workplace. Each session involved self-assessment, interactive activities, and group discussion. Participants in the program were undergrads active on-campus, eager to increase their emerging leadership skills, who responded to the trainings with lots of enthusiasm.

The leadership program, that I helped create and teach, has grown tremendously over the years. LEGO flourished with more student leaders, more faculty trainers, more funding, and more university buy-in and support. Best of all, NU now features its own Student Leadership and Engagement Office, which provides undergrads with five tiers of free leadership training. When NU students graduate, they receive another bonus; their participation in LEGO is officially documented on their co-curricular transcript.

NU’s program has even attracted some world famous luminaries; Maya Angelou, the renowned poet, recently inspired a packed campus auditorium with her words of wisdom as part of the Leadership Office’s summer lecture series. Here’s wishing NU’s leadership education program, and those like it, continued success!

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