51С»Æ³µ

You may be more familiar with the term service learning rather than community-based learning. Generally, service learning and CBL are considered interchangeable terms in professional and academic writing.

At 51С»Æ³µ, there are a variety of ways for students to engage with the Worcester community. The SPUD program is run out of the Chaplains’ Office and connects hundreds of 51С»Æ³µ students with agencies in Worcester for volunteering opportunities. Both the SPUD and CBL programs aim to facilitate meaningful relationships between members of the 51С»Æ³µ community and Worcester residents. The main difference between the two programs is that CBL involves curricular civic engagement, meaning that students are participating in service placements and projects as a requirement for a specific course. While this can and does happen with SPUD, the learning goals for CBL engagements are overtly defined by CBL faculty in their syllabi. A second difference between the two programs is that generally, students participating in service through CBL make a commitment of one semester (as their service is linked to a semester-long course); students participating through SPUD make a commitment of one academic year. However, several of the CBL classes at 51С»Æ³µ are yearlong courses where students make a yearlong commitment. Additionally, numerous CBL students create such deep and meaningful relationships with their CBL agencies that they voluntarily continue for two, if not more, semesters. A third difference between the two programs is that SPUD, generally, involves weekly service opportunities. CBL includes both weekly service opportunities (for students in placement-based courses) and more targeted service opportunities, such as a single workshop or a single project (for students in project-based courses). While SPUD and CBL are two separate programs, agencies are welcome to host students from both. 

CBL project-based courses typically involve the whole class engaging with the same research project or short-term community engagement activity; while CBL placement-based courses typically involve weekly volunteering with a community partner.

Typically, students serve approximately 2 hours per week with their agency, or, 20 hours per semester. However, this can vary widely depending on the expectations that CBL faculty and community partners set, as well as the timing of certain programs.

The Donelan Office has put together a  for CBL supervisors designed to provide much of the information you need to be an effective CBL supervisor; the Donelan Office (via the J.D. Power Center) sends a quarterly newsletter with updates from our office, announcements, other highlights, and information from community partners; the Donelan Office has student leaders through the CBL Intern program, and, if appropriate, certain CBL Interns are paired with community partners to assist with the organization of CBL volunteers and other logistical matters; the Donelan Office oversees the Marshall Memorial Fund which provides financial support for faculty and students, on a competitive basis, for service, research, and community-based learning projects that are of academic benefit to both 51С»Æ³µ students and/or faculty and of benefit to the people of Worcester; and, Donelan Office staff are always available to answer any questions you may have, troubleshoot any challenges you may be facing, visit your agency, and to provide additional resources you may need.

Because CBL students are completing their service in addition to their academic work for their CBL course, they typically do not have more than two or three hours per week to serve at their agencies. 51С»Æ³µ does have an Academic Internship Program (AIP) where students are expected to be at their agencies for eight hours per week and in a seminar course. The Community Service Work-Study program at 51С»Æ³µ may also be a program that fits your needs. Learn more about this program through the Office of Government and Community Relations. The Center for Career Development also works with community partners on internship opportunities for students. Contact Career Development to learn more.  

Absolutely! If there is a specific need you have, consider working with a project-based CBL course. Project-based courses typically involve the whole class engaging with the same research project or community engagement activity. Examples of projects that have been completed in the past are: offering workshops, building websites, creating and teaching lesson plans, and collaborating on museum tours. Additionally, the Donelan Office co-sponsors and co-facilitates the Non-Profit Careers Conference (NPCC). Every January, approximately 30 HC students return to campus early to learn about the non-profit world from faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. One of the ways students learn about the non-profit world is through participating in a case study at a local non-profit. The case study is a real-life challenge that a non-profit is currently facing and needs outside advice in order to work on solving it. Contact the Donelan Office to learn more about the case study aspect of the NPCC.

Wonderful! We are excited to start a dialogue with you regarding a partnership between your agency and 51С»Æ³µ. Your first step is to be in touch with the Donelan Office.