Service Learning and Community Engagement

What is service learning?

Service learning is the process by which students engage in community based projects while simultaneously being challenged in the classroom in an effort to prepare them to be agents of social change during their academic training and afterwards. College graduation increase by 22% among students involved in community service to fulfill class requirements (Center for Info. & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement). It is a two way street between service and learning with the desired goal of changing the way students interact with their communities of choice.

What is the difference between service learning and an internship?

• Internships - focus on professional development and self-improvement
• Service learning - focus on engaging with the community to learn and support their needs

Community Focus:

Regardless of how students personally define ‘community’, whether on campus, in East Lansing, your religious group, or beyond- we are here to help. The College of Social Science prioritizes placing students in the best possible position to build capacity and have a lasting impact for their community of choice.

Opportunities to engage in service learning:

• SSC 199, Section 001: Community Engagement for Future Leaders (In person)
• SSC 199, Section 730: Encounter, Engage, Explore  (Virtual, Asynchronous)
  • SSC 199 is open to freshman and sophomores in the College of Social Science.
• SSC 399, Section 001: Community Engagement for Social Change, Advocating for Vulnerable Populations (In person)
• SSC 399, Section 730: Community Engagement for Social Change, Advocating for Vulnerable Populations (Virtual, Asynchronous)
  • SSC 399 is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Social Science. 

For more information, contact:

Cathy M. White, M.S. 
Academic Specialist - Advisor
gamperca@msu.edu 
Phone: 517-353-9291

Emily L. Weiner, M.A.
Academic Specialist - Advisor
weinerem@msu.edu
Phone: 517-353-0780

Office for Experiential Learning
College of Social Science
sscstudy@msu.edu
Phone: 517-432-4541