College’s Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Changing With the Times

Published: 07/09/2020

The St. Charles Community College Service-Learning & Civic Engagement program allows students investigate community needs, thoughtfully plan and execute service projects and complete guided reflections regarding the relationship between traditional learning and their service experience.

“Service-learning provides students with a greater sense of what it means to be a citizen,” said Bryonie Carter, program chair. “It gives them a deeper understanding of community issues and the opportunity to learn about the pursuit of equity and social justice.”

Carter believes service-learning classes are more important now than ever.

“Just this year, we’ve see a major pandemic and social justice movement. These have brought up uncomfortable but necessary discussions about privilege and inequity, particularly with respect to economics, public health concerns, and health care access,” explained Carter. “Service-learning and civic engagement courses have always addressed issues of social justice and equity, but they are particularly important in this climate.”

Even though a majority of classes will be held online or remotely this fall, service-learning classes will continue on. Some classes may opt to offer in-person volunteer opportunities, but agencies and volunteers will have to abide by CDC guidelines, including social distancing and wearing masks and gloves when appropriate. Volunteer projects that require minimal contact with others will be encouraged, such as landscaping or trash pick-up.

“Many of our community partners have either adjusted their volunteer guidelines or have suspended their volunteer programs temporarily as a result of the pandemic,” said Carter. “I am working closely with our partners and service-learning faculty to determine the best placements for our students.”

Classes that do offer in-person volunteer opportunities will be encouraged to offer an abundance of remote and virtual opportunities so students can make educated choices and pursue projects that suit their comfort level.

The Service-Learning Program began in 2014 at SCC, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while connecting their experiences to the course objectives in their classes.

Learn more about Service-Learning and Civic Engagement at stchas.edu/servicelearning.