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Service learning is active learning that links traditional academics with community service. Service learning opportunities are designed to deepen and expand classroom learning through thoughtful, collaborative engagement with community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and the people they serve. Through structured analysis, critical thinking, and reflective writing assignments, students demonstrate that service learning informs and enriches classroom learning. 

A key component of service learning is critical reflection on the service experience. Below please find examples of students' critical reflections from recent DU service learning classes.

       A Private University Dedicated to the Public Good? 
       By: Desiree Seidel
       Couse: Race, Class, & Gender in Schools and Sports (WRIT 1133, Spring, 2012)
       Professor: Dr. Elizabeth Drogin

       CBR Classes: More than Just a Required Course
       By: Jasmine Szympruch
       Couse: Race, Class, & Gender in Schools and Sports (WRIT 1133, Spring, 2012)
       Professor: Dr. Elizabeth Drogin

       Short Film: 13th Annual Jamboree Soccer Event with America SCORES Denver
       Couse: Race, Class, & Gender in Schools and Sports (WRIT 1133, Spring, 2012)
       Professor: Dr. Elizabeth Drogin

DU professors from a variety of disciplines teach service learning courses, covering, but not limited to, the fields of: Education, Business, Political Science, Digital Media Studies, Human Communication, Social Work, Psychology, Chemistry and English. 

In addition, CCESL offers its own Spectator to Citizen Course Sequence  focused on developing active citizens by teaching students public skills and the community organizing model. 

In our effort to increase capacity and quality of service learning at DU, CCESL works with faculty on Service Learning Curriculum Development and we offer a variety of Service Learning Funding Opportunities. 

 

 

 
Anita Spotlight

Anita Spotlight

Reflects on Public Achivement (PA) on Blog

The goal [of PA] is to create a space for students to discover their power to create tangible change in their community. That includes open discussions about social justice issues like privilege and oppression, as well as certain key activities like one-to-ones, "world as it is/world as it should be", "world cafes" and others from the PA handbook

Manuel Del Real

Manuel Del Real

DU Student, Class of 2009 and 2011

Every time I look at the murals, it gives me great pride as an alumnus to be able to see students make a change...Being a coach has also helped me realize I am the mentor that I used to look up to.

Hava Gordon

Hava Gordon

Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology

Last year, I taught a Service Learning FSEM: Youth Cultures: Inequality, Resistance, and Empowerment. This was the first time teaching my FSEM as a service learning class, and it was an amazing experience. With the help of my wonderful Service Learning Associate, Cameron Lewis, our class partnered with The Spot youth center and Rainbow Alley. Both organizations work to empower teens by providing a safe and creative space for low-income, homeless, and LGBTQ youth. FSEM students joined outreach workers at The Spot on night walks around the city, distributing needed items to homeless youth. Students also participated in consciousness-raising workshops at Rainbow Alley, connecting with Rainbow Alley youth through these workshops.