Service Learning

What is Service Learning?

Service learning is way to integrate classroom instruction with community service. It differs from volunteering because it is always tied back to enhancing your academic instruction. Service learning focuses on reflective thinking and civic engagement.

Examples of service learning:

• An accounting student helping senior citizens with their taxes 
• A Biology student helps with a stream bank restoration project 
• A math student tutoring an elementary student in math 
• A nursing student working with hospice patients 
• Sociology students helping at the local food bank 

Examples of volunteering:

• An accounting student serving homeless people food 
• A nursing student tutoring a high school student in English
• A math student planting a garden at a local senior citizen home

Service Learning at VHCC:

There are many faculty members that encourage service learning at VHCC. Some require mandatory projects while others offer service learning opportunities for course extra credit. Whether you are participating in a service learning project that is mandatory or just for extra credit, you need to fill out the following service learning forms:

1. The Service Learning Tracking Sheet [PDF format]
2. The Release and Promise not to Sue Form [PDF format]

Please print these forms, fill them out, and send them to Michael McBride in ISC 101.

Looking for a service learning opportunity?

If you are looking for the appropriate community partner to perform your service learning project with (i.e. a community partner that ties in with your particular class), you can click on the following link for pertinent information.

• Community Partner List (updated each fall) - PDF Opens in a new window

If you have any questions regarding service learning, please contact: 

Michael McBride
Career Planning Specialist/Service Learning Coordinator
Virginia Highlands Community College
PO BOX 828
Abingdon, VA 24212-0828
(276) 739-2575
mmcbride@vhcc.edu