About Service Learning

Service learning is an educational program that integrates community service with classroom instruction to enhance learning, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities. For the chemical sciences, service-learning projects can vary greatly depending on community needs and an instructor’s curriculum. Projects can include lead testing, water clean-up, or classroom assistance in an elementary school.

Students, instructors, schools and the community all benefit from service-learning programs. Students learn how to interact within the community and develop a sense of social responsibility. Faculty help build relationships between the school and surrounding community. And the community benefits from the contribution of young chemists.