Information for Students

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What is academic service learning (ASL)?

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 Community Partners to utilize untapped resources at higher education institutions.  Many Community Partners are busy with day-to-day operations, projects and programs.  They do not have the staff, time or money to complete other research and projects that they would otherwise would if they had the resources available to them.

Some examples of 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 more examples, feel free to browse syllabi that 4CR faculty members have created.

How can I be involved with academic service learning?

Students can get involved by taking courses which integrate ASL into the coursework.  Ask your teacher or professor if they teach academic service learning.  You can also volunteer with a Community Partner that participates in ASL projects with schools and institutions.  Even if the project is not directly related to you coursework, you can still volunteer with the agency to help with it.

Another way to get involved is to join the 4CR Student Caucus.  4CR will be establishing the Student Caucus so that students can help in planning ASL courses and implementing ASL on their campuses.  We hope to create student ASL leadership across Capital Region schools and campuses and to fully train students in ASL.

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 of 4CR?

Students cannot be individual members of 4CR, however, you should inquire as to whether or not your institution, school, or local community organization is.  If so, get in touch with the lead 4CR contact at that institution, school, or organization.

If not, find a faculty member or administrator and have them 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.