About Service-Learning
What is Service-Learning?
Service Learning connects academic coursework with real-world community needs. Students, faculty, and community partners come together to create meaningful change while deepening learning and civic responsibility. At Cal Poly, Service Learning is supported by a collaborative effort between Academic Programs and Planning and Student Affairs.
The SL program provides faculty the support they need to integrate community engagement into an existing course, depending on the learning goals, the size of the class, the academic preparation of the students, and the community partnership or project type.
Service-Learning by the Numbers
At Cal Poly, we believe learning extends beyond the classroom.
Through service learning, students apply their skills and knowledge to community-identified projects, faculty enrich their teaching with hands-on experiences, and community partners gain valuable support in addressing local challenges.
Here is a snapshot of our impact from 2024-25 AY:
| Students | SL Courses Offered | Total Service Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 912 | 30 | 4,511 |
Why It Matters
Faculty Benefits and Incentives
Service Learning enriches your teaching, connects your research to real-world impact, and provides recognition opportunities that support tenure and career growth. By linking academic learning with meaningful community service, you help students apply knowledge in powerful ways—while advancing your own professional goals.
- Enhance teaching effectiveness — Service Learning takes learning outside the classroom by having students participate in community service projects, applying academic content to real-world situations.
- Deepen student learning — Reflection assignments enable students to connect course content to their service projects, fostering new skills, knowledge, and perspectives.
- Expand research and scholarship — Collaborating with community partners creates opportunities for applied research, publications, and presentations.
- Gain professional recognition — Faculty engagement in Service Learning can lead to awards, institutional acknowledgment, and enhanced visibility of teaching excellence.
- Support tenure and retention — Documented Service Learning activities contribute to faculty portfolios, strengthening cases for tenure, promotion, and retention.
Student Benefits
Service Learning lets you take what you're learning in the classroom and apply it in the real world. You'll gain hands-on experience, build career-ready skills, and make a meaningful impact in your community — all while strengthening your academic success.
- Apply classroom learning in real-world settings — turn theory into practice through hands-on projects.
- Build career-ready skills — like teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
- Make a meaningful impact — by addressing community-identified needs and contributing to positive change.
- Grow personally and professionally — through reflection, civic engagement, and expanded perspectives.
- Stand out for future opportunities — service learning experience strengthens résumés, grad school applications, and job interviews.
Community Partner Benefits
Service Learning partnerships bring students, faculty, and community organizations together to create real impact. By collaborating with Cal Poly, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, expand your organization's capacity, and help prepare students to become future leaders—all while addressing needs that matter most in your community.
- Address real community needs — with support from Cal Poly students and faculty who bring fresh ideas and energy.
- Build organizational capacity — by collaborating on projects that extend your reach and impact.
- Foster long-term partnerships — with the university, creating opportunities for sustained growth and shared goals.
- Gain access to faculty expertise and student talent — that can support research, program development, and innovative solutions.
- Contribute to student learning and success — by shaping meaningful experiences that prepare the next generation of leaders and professionals.
Service-Learning at Cal Poly
"I learned so much about myself and how I want to live my life. Working with my service learning organization was the first time I caught a glimpse of the harsh injustices in our world and I now know I want to dedicate time to change them."
- Service Learning course evaluation
Contact Us
For more information and for providing suggestions on desired resources, please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Anurag Pande (Faculty Liaison for Service-Learning)
