Community-based (or Service) Learning and volunteering allow students to learn about life outside the classroom through active participation in a community setting. Working with local community members provides an invaluable opportunity to develop and enhance abilities and interests in responding to real world concerns and problems, such as those that might be evident in the community where the service experience takes place.

Community-based Learning often takes place in the context of an academic course, where students engage in activities that address human and community needs, taking part in an exchange characterized by reciprocity. Everyone involved collaborates in an effort to meet certain needs and are challenged and stimulated in way that extends beyond the traditional classroom.

Community-based Learning looks very different from course to course and is determined through a collaborative process including faculty, students, and local community groups. Students receive credit for the course, and hours of required service vary. For more information about community-based learning courses and other initiatives, please visit the Community Learning Network.

Volunteer opportunities, although still rooted in a community setting, do not typically take place as part of an academic course. Unlike internships, for example, volunteer positions may offer more flexible hours. Numerous volunteer positions are regularly available through a vast network of non-profit organizations, social service agencies, camps, and media groups.

In addition to the CICD, liberal arts students can also take advantage of volunteer opportunities through “Temple Volunteers,” part of the University’s Office of Community Relations.

Meanwhile, the Temple’s Leadership Development program gives students “access to a rich variety of interactive leadership development programs, educational options, and training experiences that will inspire and transform,” including “a menu of interactive and engaging opportunities for students to learn and practice leadership…academic courses, seminars, speaker series, service opportunities, leadership conferences, a living-learning community, skills workshops…”