Service Learning and Career Exploration

Service Learning

Service learning ties together academic achievement and community service by providing students with service opportunities that are integrated into their course outcomes. The goal of service learning is to give our students the chance to gain valuable life skills while providing service to others. 

In Fall 2012, our campus students served over 3,200 hours through their academic studies.  A sample of the projects include: a middle school dance to promote a healthy lifestyle, a food drive to support a local homeless shelter, and work at the Children’s Discovery Center and local arboretum.  

“To be a leader one must learn to serve. And I think my previous and current service projects are agents that will boost the leadership skills in me. I say this because I'm becoming more and more sensitive to needs of people. I'm beginning to think of ways to help a greater population of people.”

– Nnamdi Ekesi, Senior, Bachelor of Science in Biology (Abuja, Nigeria)

Career Exploration

Service learning also gives our students the opportunity for career exploration. Students that take advantage of these opportunities are not only able to give back to the community, but also gain a deeper understanding of what a job in their desired field could possibility entail. This can either strengthen or change an individual’s career path.

“The SRV 201 service learning class has made me see the importance of helping those who are less fortunate than you. In my future career, I will look for a company that has a strong commitment to providing services not just for monetary purposes but because it is the right thing to do.”

– Alex Kivali, Senior, Bachelor of Arts in Accounting (Abbots Langley, England)

Contact:
Audra Adams, MBA
Manager of Service Learning
audra.adams@ashford.edu
563.242.4023, ext. 7242