Faculty Overview and Benefits

Service learning is a teaching and learning method that integrates community engagement into the curriculum. Benefits for faculty include:

  • Enriching discipline content by connecting real-world applications to classroom instructions.
  • Increasing student engagement.
  • Providing opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of civic responsibility.
  • Supporting student retention.
  • Strengthening promotion and tenure portfolios by including service learning activities.

Faculty Institute

The Service-Learning Faculty Institute helps faculty members learn to use service learning as a pedagogical tool and develop a service-learning project for a class. 

How to Get Started

  1. Submit an application: Applications are emailed to all full-time and part-time faculty at the start of each semester.
  2. Complete the program: Once approved, faculty work independently through online modules during the semester and meet with the service-learning director. All modules and meetings are completed by the end of the semester to ensure projects are ready to implement in the following term.
  3. Earn recognition: Upon successful completion, faculty are named Service-Learning fellows, serve on the Internal Advisory Team, and mentor other faculty exploring service learning. 

Student Overview and Benefits

Service learning integrates community engagement into academic coursework, offering students opportunities to:

  • Apply classroom learning to real-world situations.
  • Develop civic responsibility.
  • Build leadership skills and self-confidence.
  • Gain awareness of community needs.
  • Experience and appreciate diversity.

Independent Service Learning

Students may also participate in independent service projects, either at the College or within the community. These projects promote civic responsibility, community awareness, and professional skill development.

For more information, please contact Laura Miller, director of Service Learning, at millerle@pgcc.edu. 

Community Service

If you want to find opportunities to serve in Prince George’s County, see MNCPPC Volunteer Opportunities.