Academic Service Learning Benefits Diverse, Urban Community College Students

Authors

Sharon S. Ellerton, CUNY Queensborough Community CollegeFollow
Cristina Di Meo, CUNY La Guardia Community CollegeFollow
Josephine Pantaleo, CUNY Queensborough Community CollegeFollow
Arlene Kemmerer, CUNY Queensborough Community CollegeFollow
Mary Bandziukas, CUNY Queensborough Community CollegeFollow
Michael BradleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2015

Abstract

Urban community college students are a vulnerable population, often carrying one or more risk factors that predict they will not graduate or transfer to a four-year institution. This article presents evidence that academic service learning can provide support for urban community college students, increasing retention and providing multiple positive benefits. After participating in service learning, urban community college students report increased confidence in their ability to learn and apply course content knowledge, general education knowledge, and workplace skills as well as an interest in civic engagement.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal for Civic Commitment.