Service-Learning Pathways

Service-learning is organized in pathways that connect course learning to specific community issues. Students working in the following pathways assist community organizations in addressing and resolving important problems.

The seven pathways are:

1. Resilience and success for P - 20 students: Students support the educational success of other students on campus and in the community. Generally, students provide tutoring and mentoring support to local schools and organizations. For example, students help with pre-school programs, early literacy, math, science, computer literacy, and homework tutoring in Palolo Valley and other neighborhoods. This pathway is beneficial to students considering teaching careers or who want more experience working with diverse cultures and age groups on educational issues.
2. Healthy Lifestyles: Students promote healthy lifestyles through disease and injury prevention education in partnership with local schools and organizations. For example, students plan and develop events for World AIDS Day (December 1) on campus or serve organizations like "Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies" that promote improved maternal and child care. This pathway is beneficial to students pursuing health careers or who want more experience working with diverse cultures and age groups on health issues.
3. Environmental sustainability: Students contribute to a cleaner and more beautiful Hawaii. For example, students assist with student-run recycling efforts on campus or restore native habitats island-wide. This pathway is beneficial to students new to campus or pursuing environmental or science majors and careers.
4. Respect and care for the elderly: Students work with and assist elderly individuals in the community. For example, students assist community-based long-term care programs or homebound elderly. Students also tutor elderly immigrants to help them pass the U.S. citizenship test. This pathway is beneficial to students interested in long-term care policy issues, pursuing health careers, or interested in working across cultures and generations.
5. Community safety: This pathway is under construction and students can assist with its development. Students work with organizations that are responsible for disaster preparedness or are addressing severe safety problems such as drug abuse and domestic violence in the community. For example, students work with Hawaii Civil Defense, American Red Cross, or organizations that advocate improved drug abuse and domestic violence policies. This pathway will be beneficial to students considering careers in public safety.
6. Diverse communities, cultures, and histories: Students explore and document the rich and diverse communities that the College serves. For example, students collect oral histories from knowledgeable members of a specific ethnic community, work as docents at Iolani Palace or the Hawaii Maritime Museum, or support a community-based organization in marketing a festival or other event. This pathway is beneficial to students who enjoy studying local history and culture or considering careers in communication, journalism, or business.
7. Integrated international learning: Students explore the meaning and develop understanding of our global community. For example, students work at KCC's International Café or support the International Education week activities in November and the International Festival in March. Some students also qualify for study abroad opportunities where they service-learn in Asia or the Americas. This pathway is beneficial to students interested in Asian, Pacific, or international studies and careers.