Programs Overview
Service Learning Projects

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What is service learning?

By participating in the Projects in Service Learning program, students have the opportunity to volunteer their time and engineering skills for non-profit organizations.

The National and Community Service Act of 1990 defines service learning as: “a method under which students or participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of a community. . . . and that is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students.”

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Who can participate?

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How do I participate?

Before participating in the program, undergraduate students need to complete the CRDV301: Introduction to Career Development course. Master's students should attend a graduate info session. After completing this course, you can work with your career advisor to create a strategy for your service learning search.

Students are responsible for securing their own service learning experience. Here are some resources students may use to create their service learning opportunity:

Once you have secured a service learning project, you should:

  • Make an appointment with your career advisor.
  • Present a copy of a letter from the coordinating agency or university to Engineering Career Development which states what your service learning activities and responsibilities will be.
  • Acquire a supervisor who can evaluate your contributions to the organization, its clients, or the community.
  • Agree to evaluate your experience based on your opportunity to learn and apply various engineering skills.

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What qualifies as a service learning project?

A service learning project is: 

  • A single service learning term that can occur during any quarter of the year.
  • Directly related to the student’s academic major and/or career goals.

Service learning projects must fit the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 10 weeks long.
  • Must be full-time (30 hours or more per week).
  • Must be related to your engineering major or career goals.
  • Must be completed with a non-profit organization.
  • Must be unpaid.

Tuition and Enrollment

Students will be enrolled as a full-time student in the appropriate CRDV course enrollment, with no tuition charges.

An administrative grade of S (satisfactory) will be given at the end of the quarter as long as you have completed all evaluations. If you do not complete all necessary evaluations, you will receive a U (unsatisfactory) grade.

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