Service-Learning

We need to engage our students more fully in the lives of our community, and in the celebration of the democratic ideals which define this state and this nation."
University of Hawaii President, David McClain, (March 2006)

Service-Learning

Fall 2008 Service Learning Courses

Service-learning is a teaching and learning method in which students provide meaningful service in the community to help them better understand what they are learning in their college courses. Service-learning is embedded in academic courses and focuses on critical thinking and problem solving, personal development and community responsibility.

Service-learning is offered as an optional assignment and students who participate can expect to serve 20 or more hours per semester at community sites. Kapiolani Community College offers dozens of service-learning courses each semester and is recognized as a national leader in service-learning and community engagement.

Courses providing service-learning opportunities

Benefits of Participation

Successful pathway students can qualify for paid student leadership positions and scholarships. For more information, contact the Service-Learning Office.

Other benefits include:

• Using your knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help build a stronger community, locally, nationally, and globally
• Learning how to identify and partner with community organizations
• Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of course content and the discipline
• Exploring career opportunities and enhancing your resume
• Working and communicating with individuals of all ages and backgrounds
• Developing writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Learning about cross-cultural and intergenerational communication skills
• Exploring policy and developing advocacy skills

Past Events and Projects.

In May of 2006, students from the University of Kansas, St. Mary's University, and Park University teamed up with students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and KCC for the "Global Solutions" project. As part of this project, the students produced the Building a Healthy Community website tailored to the specific needs of residents of Palolo Valley.

Service-Learning Instructions:

Step 1: Registration

To register for service-learning, you need to attend a scheduled orientation. Please check back on our website in the summer to gather information for Fall 2008.

Step 2: Community Partner Agreement

Discuss your duties, roles and responsibilities with your site contact as well as the days and times you will be at the site.  Write this information on the form and make sure you and the site contact both sign it. Turn the signed Community Partner Agreement in to the Service-Learning office by the deadline or you will not be able to participate in service-learning for the semester.

Step 3: Timesheet
Due: April 30, 2008
Download the Service-Learning Timesheet here.

Keep track of your hours throughout the semester and log them each week on your paper timesheet. Your timesheet must be signed by your supervisor and turned in to Naio 214 by April 30th in order to be counted toward your course requirements.

Step 4: Reflection Essay
Due: April 30, 2008

Turn in your reflection essay to Naio 204 by 4pm on April 30th. Reflection essays should follow the format your instructor outlined in the syllabus or in class. If no format was given, essays must follow guidelines from the Service-Learning office.

Once you’ve done all this, you’ve successfully completed service-learning for the semester! We will notify your instructor that you have officially met all service-learning requirements and you will receive credit for your community learning experience!