Penn State Berks embraces service-learning, community engagement and community-based undergraduate research because these projects not only support the community, but also enrich students' coursework.
Community engagement experiences help students draw meaningful connections between classroom learning and the world beyond campus, helping them to understand their role as a responsible citizen in a complex world. These experiences will allow students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to help understand and solve important community questions. Most importantly, students are able to share their findings and conclusions with the community organization or agency working to address those issues.
How students benefit from community engagement
The benefits of community engagement, service-learning, and community-based undergraduate research to students include:
- taking an active role in their education.
- enriching their understanding of the course material by integrating theory with practice.
- deepening their appreciation of issues through first-hand exposure to real-life situations and examples.
- sharpening their ability to think critically and solve problems.
- teaching practical, on-the-job skills.
- developing leadership and collaborative skills with a diverse group of individuals, including
- community leaders and members as well as fellow students.
- converting learning about real issues into a genuine service to the community.
- strengthening their values and allowing students to act upon them, empowering them to effect change.
The experience and skills acquired from community service enhance graduate school and employment applications, giving students an edge in those markets.
Services for students
The OCE assists students with:
- connecting with community partners and service opportunities.
- finding service-learning-based courses.
- applying for Pennsylvania State Clearances (necessary for community engagement experiences with minors)
Clearances Fairs
The OCE provides two clearances fairs at the start of every semester. These in-person clearances fairs are also offered once per month. Please email BK-OCE@psu.edu or watch the student events calendar for details.
Get Involved
To find out how you can make a difference in your community while enhancing your classroom learning, contact the OCE at BK-OCE@psu.edu.