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Get Started with Service-Learning
Students benefit from Service-Learning in a variety of ways. In addition to giving back to their communities, students can develop skills they learned in the classroom, make professional contacts, improve self esteem, and increase their civic knowledge. Students who have documented a minimum of 75 hours of service and have at least a 2.5 GPA are also eligible to apply for Service-Learning scholarships.
It may be possible to earn course credit through your Service-Learning experience. To get started, explore the available course options, then follow the steps below.
Step 1: Complete a Student Application
You must fill out an application, even if you are participating in Service-Learning as part of a course. Use our convenient online Service-Learning application or complete a PDF application and email or deliver it to the CSLCE. You will also be asked to fill out a Release from Liability form.
Step 2: Find Placement Sites & Volunteer Opportunities
No matter what your area of academic or personal interest, the CSLCE can help find a volunteer placement site that is right for you. Visit our Community Partner Directory, which lists more than 350 volunteer placement sites throughout Brevard County. We have contacts in a wide variety of organizations and career fields. Our Community Calendar is also a good resource for staying on top of special events and volunteer opportunities.
Please note that although faculty and CSLCE staff set minimum service hour requirements, community partners may have their own requirements, so check with CSLCE staff or the community partner contact to verify the hours.
Step 3: Submit the Required Paperwork
Service-Learning paperwork is available in the CSLCE office, as well as on the forms page. Completed paperwork should be submitted by email to CSLCE staff as listed in the contacts section.
View the Service-Learning calendar for deadlines and more. If you are volunteering for course credit, check with your instructor about additional assignments and due dates. Dates specified by instructors take precedence over dates set by the CSLCE.
Step 4: Volunteer & Reflect on your Experience
We recommend that you take time to record and reflect on your Service-Learning experience while you volunteer.
Most Service-Learning courses and extra credit options require a reflection assignment (journal, essay, class presentation, etc.), and keeping track of your thoughts throughout the experience may help. The CSLCE has resources and sample journal excerpts to help you get started. Check with your instructor for details and required assignments.
Students must complete the required number of service hours for each Service-Learning option or course if involved in more than one; hours completed for one class cannot be used for another class. Orientation, training hours, and club meetings are not counted for service hour requirements.
Students who have documented a minimum of 75 hours of service and have at least a 2.5 GPA are also eligible to apply for Service-Learning scholarships.
Please take a moment to tell us how your experience with Service-Learning has been so far.
Step 5: Return Post-Volunteer Required Paperwork
Return completed paperwork to the CSLCE and your instructor. Visit the forms page for more information.
Always remember to check with the CSLCE and your instructor about requirements and due dates.
Step 6: Complete a Service-Learning Questionnaire
Fill out the online Service-Learning Questionnaire. Be sure to tell us about your experience at the volunteer site; your feedback helps us to improve. The online survey format only takes a few minutes to complete.
Service-Learning Resources
Testimonial: Making a Difference
Carina Rodriguez
"Growing up, I have always had a passion for volunteering, and EFSC's Center for Service-Learning & Civic Engagement has allowed me to grow that passion and increase my intrinsic motivation to help others. I genuinely believe you get what you give, and I know each time I give back to the community, I gain something much more valuable in return."