Benefits of Service Learning in College

In some high schools across the country, community service programs are requirements for graduation. Should these programs be mandatory for colleges too? Well, a service-learning component would be a very beneficial step to take if added to all of the college's academic programs. The addition of programs like this would be helpful to the college itself, the students of the college, as well as the surrounding community.

One benefit for the college would be that service learning programs help to build stronger faculty relationships with the students and with the community. Community service is an excellent way to strengthen existing relationships as well as begin new ones. Not only could community service help strengthen faculty-student relationships, but it could also help the student population become closer and stronger as a whole. In addition, if the students like the programs it will help maintain student retention at the college. If the students enjoy the time spent during these programs they would be more likely to remain at that school, and get involved in more things on campus. If current students are happy with their college and the opportunities they are presented, there is a big chance that they will spread the word to other people, and possibly potential students for the college, increasing the amount of applicants for the following year. The addition of these programs enhances the image of the school.

The students also receive benefits from service learning programs. The experiences gained in these programs show the students that they can impact real social problems, and challenges. Students get help building skills for personal and professional development. The things students learn from community service can be applied to the real world situations the students encounter during and after college. Participation in service learning projects looks good on student transcripts and records. Also, if students are spending their time in these programs, it is keeping them busy and off the streets where they could be influenced to drink or do drugs. These programs will keep kids on the right path.

The community that surrounds the college benefits from community service programs in schools. Real needs of the community; such as covering graffiti, picking up trash, planting trees, and collecting canned food; could be taken care of. Many times these needs are even fulfilled at a much lower cost than if the college hired someone to do the work. These programs give the community a better opportunity to build positive relationships with both the college and the students. Without these programs the community's view of college students is mainly similar to the stereotypical college movie. Seeing the students working hard on a community service project gives a positive view of the students.

Forty hours of community service stretched out over two years is a small price to pay for the amount of benefits that