Service Learning helps students get foot in the door

 
Over 20 years ago, the Southern University Board of Supervisors mandated service learning as a requirement for all undergraduate students to graduate.
Southern University was one of the first public schools in the country to implement the service learning program.
The program was designed to provide an integrated service learning program into the academic curricula of all students.
Over 250 community, governmental, civic agencies and non-profit organizations are a part of the service learning opportunities that students get to choose to serve in.
Kristin Gordon, coordinator and instructor of service learning, stated that she has been a part of the program for over eight years.he
“We try to accommodate all students,” said Gordon, “students with jobs, families, etc.  We help them with their schedules and time management.”
With this program implemented into the curricula, it gives students a sense of profession said Lori Hitchens, adjunct service learning instructor
The requirements of the service learning program is to reach a minimum of 60 clock hours of volunteer service before graduation.
Dr. Barbara Carpenter, director of service learning, has been with the program since it’s initiation and has witnessed many students’ success in the program.
According to Carpenter the program does not only offer service, but also it gives to the community.
“It’s just not good for a degree,” exclaimed Carpenter. “It gives students opportunities.”
According to Carpenter when students are finished with their service hours, if they are offered a job at their agencies, they can happily accept.
​Carpenter stated that the service learning program hosts 2 food drives a year and an annual school supplies drive.
“Students must understand there are many more people less fortunate than them,” Carpenter said.
The agencies that have provided for the students range from educational sites, such as schools, health sites, human services and youth development.
Due to the thriving excellence of the Service Learning program at SU, it has been nationally recognized for the President of the United State’s honor roll for more than five years.
With volunteering of the students, the Greater Baton Rouge community has experienced a dynamic economic impact.
According the Center for Service Learning, The economic impact to Baton Rouge is invaluable… Contributing hours in jobs of positions such as assistant teachers, assistant coaches, data entry clerks, tutors, recreational therapists, hospice care, and clerical work.
Service learning led a drive to provide clothes and personal items to the people that were affected by the earthquake in Haiti in 2011.
The service learning program has been expanded to international initiatives where students can not only provide service locally, state-wide, and globally but also internationally.
Carpenter stated that the program has agencies available in different countries.  “We have places in Belize, China, Senegal and Mexico.”
Students can complete hours in the study abroad program by studying languages or cultural diversity while providing opportunities for students to serve the local communities through tutoring English, math and physical education in area schools.
 Morneal Mark, a senior Fine Arts major, from New Orleans said that he was enrolled in service learning in the summer of 2011.   The agency he assigned to was Southern University Laboratory School’s Summer Camp, working with the elementary age students.
​”It was definetly a good experience because I plan to teach after I graduate,” said Mark.  “I think it’s important for all students to have to take this course.”
​If you would like more information about the Center for Service Learning stop by their office in T.H. Harris Hall or call their office at 225.771.2613.