How can community service learning models be used to support career readiness?

2 Elements of effective CSL models

For CSL to have the greatest impact on career readiness, it is essential to design and implement CSL models that follow certain key principles and practices. This includes aligning CSL goals and outcomes with the course curriculum and community needs, providing proper orientation, training, supervision, and support for students and community partners, as well as encouraging mutual respect, reciprocity, and collaboration between them. Additionally, reflection, feedback, assessment, diversity, inclusion, and intercultural competence should be incorporated throughout the CSL process to foster learning and improvement.

3 Examples of CSL models for nonprofit leadership

Integrating CSL into nonprofit leadership education can take various forms, depending on the level, duration, and focus of the course. For example, students may work with a community partner for a semester to complete a service project or task. Alternatively, they may design and implement a service project in collaboration with a partner to address an issue relevant to the course and community. Service research is another option, where students conduct research on a topic or question of interest to a community partner and the course. Lastly, students can organize or participate in one-time or short-term service events that benefit a partner or cause, such as fundraisers, workshops, campaigns, or volunteer days.

4 Tips for success in CSL

To make the most of your CSL experience and enhance your career readiness, it's important to be proactive and flexible, respectful and curious, reflective and critical, communicative and collaborative, and ethical and professional. Taking initiative and responsibility for your learning and service is key, as is learning from the diverse backgrounds of your community partners and peers. It's also important to think about what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how you are doing it. Additionally, communicating clearly with your community partners, instructors, and peers can help you achieve goals and overcome challenges. Finally, following the ethical standards of your course, partner, and field is essential to act with integrity, honesty, and accountability.

5 Resources for CSL

If you are interested in learning more about CSL and how to use it to support your career readiness, there are several resources available. Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities that promotes civic engagement and service learning in higher education. The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse is a website that provides information, resources, and examples of service learning in various disciplines and settings. Learn and Serve America is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service that supports service learning in schools, colleges, and communities. The International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement is a scholarly organization that advances research and practice on service learning and community engagement. All these resources can be accessed through the respective websites.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?