Service learning is an instructional method that strengthens classroom learning by creating opportunities within the formal curriculum and the co-curriculum for students to participate in and reflect upon community service. The College outcome for students related to service learning is:

Students should understand the value of and participate in service in their professional , personal, and community lives.

Service learning at Villa does the following:

• Reflects the Franciscan spirit of Villa Maria College's mission.
• Enhances and enriches the College learning experience.
• Provides opportunities for active learning, practical application, evaluation, and analysis of theoretical classroom concepts.
• Allows students to practice organization, leadership, individual caring,social responsibility, and community building skills necessary for life long success.
• Creates friendships with fellow students sharing a common vision of social consciousness and compassion. It's fun too!

As a requirement for graduation, Villa Maria College students will complete 25 hours of service learning. Students in four-year programs will complete 50 hours of service. Students are required to write reflection papers on each service project that is completed.


Service learning examples at Villa include the following:

The Kingstree, South Carolina Service Project provides all Villa Maria College Students an opportunity to serve the needs of a poor community in Appalachia.¬Ý During student Easter break, students travel by van to the Saint Ann’Äôs Outreach Center in Kingstree, S.C. where they are involved in a variety of activities. Some of these activities include: doing light home repair, working in a food pantry or clothing closet, serving hot lunches, aiding in clean up projects with the local school children, or providing after school tutoring.¬Ý This experience not only benefits the people of Applachia, but Villa students benefit in numerous ways. Several goals can be achieved by participating in this project: broaden student horizons, improve social awareness, foster civic responsibility, promote understanding of diversity, and develop inter- and intrapersonal skills. This activity also can encourage a life-long commitment to service. David Shoemaker, Business Management student, worked with Habitat for Humanity renovating a house in Buffalo. David was impressed with the organization's goals of helping less fortunate people achieve the dream of home ownership. He worked with many other volunteers including volunteer skilled plumbers and electricians. Activities included carpentry work, painting, window installation, wiring, and plumbing. David spent much of his time installing vinyl siding to the exterior of the home. David was able to use his skills in planning and delegation, and his knowledge of siding installation which provided David with a worthwhile and rewarding service experience.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program students implement a wheel chair exercise and mini-olympics for the Felician Sisters at the Felician Sisters Health and Wellness Center. Students help promote the health and well-being of the Felician Sisters, and Villa students learn how to create rapport with, listen to, and interact with patients; a critical skill for future PTAs.

Interior Design program students participated in developing plans for a community kitchen in Buffalo's Broadway Market. The Broadway Market is a community landmark of commercial stands from meat, delis, to bakeries that represent family-owned businesses passed from generation to generation. Students collaborated with the architect assigned to the project and participated in concept presentation to local politicians, dignitaries, and community members. Interior Design program students expanded design and presentation skills, and community members were presented with an imaginative design approach to a community kitchen that will be shared in a Buffalo historical institution.

English Composition (ENG 101) students provided tutoring for children at Poplar Citizenship Early Childhood Center #11.¬Ý Villa students promote among School 11 students the strengthening of skills in writing, reading, and self expression.¬Ý In addition, Villa students serve as role models for the children.¬Ý The experience allows Villa students to apply what they are learning at the College level to what the children are learning at the elementary level.¬Ý The service learning experience allows Villa students to test whether teaching might be a career option.