Service-learning is both a philosophy of education and a learning method. It focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic involvement, combining community service with academic instruction.

Students enhance their learning by examining the relation of theory and of practice. Built on a foundation of reciprocity, service-learning creates opportunities for students, faculty and community members alike to explore and realize goal achievement, academic excellence, intercultural literacy and life-long learning.

• Cultural Anthropology students observing social groups while mentoring at the YMCA youth drop-in center.
  
• Science students testing the lead content of paint found in homes in their community.
  
• Math students collecting and sharing weather data with the Department of Natural Resources.
  
• Cosmetology students providing hair and nail services at a youth detention facility.
  
• English students interviewing an elder in their lives and writing a short oral history story, graphic arts students illustrating the story for books and donating them to a Head Start program where Speech students read the stories to children.