The Other Voice in Service-Learning: Examining Community Partners' Perspectives on the Outcomes of Service Experiences

• In Event: Roundtable Session 88
  In Roundtable Session: Service-Learning and Experiential Education Roundtable

Abstract

Service-learning courses have been viewed as beneficial for both college students (King & Howard-Hamilton, 2000) and community partners (Ward & Wolf-Wendall, 2000). However, there is a dearth in the literature that specifically focuses on outcomes of service-learning for and from the perspective of community-based organizations. Through in-depth interviews with representatives of community-based organizations, this qualitative study investigates the impact of service-learning on community partners and university-community partnerships. Findings of this study indicate that community-based organizations find that service-learning courses: a) are beneficial for their organizations; b) strengthens the university-community partnership; and c) has inherent but adaptable challenges. This study introduces the voices of community partners into ongoing debates about the import and impact of service-learning on community-based organizations.

Author

• Stephanie Smith Budhai, Drexel University