Information for Higher Education Institutions

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What is academic service learning (ASL) and how can it benefit your institution?

Academic service learning can encompass a multitude of teaching methods which can include one time service activites to long term community-based research projects.  The 4CR Network believes that ASL is a pedagogy in which students are fully engaged in their community and meet course or program learning objectives by working collaboratively with community partners.  True academic service learning is equally beneficial and rewarding for all students, faculty, and community partners that are mutually engaged.

ASL is a great way for higher education institution to be a part of their local community and to collaborate with Community Partners and K-12 schools.  ASL is very flexible in terms of how it can be utilized and how projects can be designed.  It is possible to find matches between virtually every discipline/course and a Community Partner if you are creative!

Students have the opportunity to learn curriculum in the classroom and then to apply it to a real life situation while instilling the importance and value of civic engagement and social responsibility.  Students will become more active in their communities and they will learn more about what it means to be a good citizen.

Some examples of higher education ASL courses and projects are:

• A marketing course creates a strategic marketing plan for the Boys and Girls Club
• A sociology course runs focus groups for the Center for Law and Justice
• An art course teaches techniques to an art therapy group
• An environmental course does GIS mapping of a local creekshed 

For examples of 4CR higher education faculty syllabi, click here.

What are the benefits of being a member of 4CR?

Benefits of being a 4CR member include:

• Access to trainings, workshops, conferences and other educational topics connected with academic service learning;
• Connect with a network of multiple local community partners, higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and students who share a commitment to partnering and collaborating;
• Access to website resources which include course syllabi, faculty profiles, community partner profiles, calendar of events, as well as, regional and national resources
• Receive network updates on upcoming events, opportunities, etc.
• Project and logistical support assistance 

How to become a member?

Fill out a membership application form (by hand or electronically) and submit it (by mail or e-mail) to 4CR.  You can find the application and further instructions by clicking here.