Service learning combines community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in activities that address local needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community.
Service learning has a positive impact on student learning outcomes, civic engagement, and retention rates. Since 1994 the American Association of Community Colleges has promoted the value of service learning to the 1,200 associate degree-granting institutions in the U.S. According to three AACC national surveys, nearly 60 percent of all community colleges offer service learning in their curricular programs. Another 30 percent of colleges are interested in starting service learning initiatives.
The goals of AACC's national project, Community Colleges Broadening Horizons through Service Learning, are to build on established foundations to integrate service learning into the institutional climate of community colleges, and to increase the number, quality, and sustainability of service learning programs through an information clearinghouse, data collection and analysis, model programs, training and technical assistance, publications, and referrals. The Horizons project is supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service and its Learn and Serve America program.