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Service-Learning Orientation. VOLUNTEER & SERVICE LEARNING CENTER www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/vslc Grover Cleveland Hall 306 Buffalo State College 716-878-5811 Laura Hill Rao, Coordinator. What is Service-Learning?.
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Service-Learning Orientation VOLUNTEER & SERVICE LEARNING CENTER www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/vslc Grover Cleveland Hall 306 Buffalo State College 716-878-5811 Laura Hill Rao, Coordinator
What is Service-Learning? A form of active learning that links learning in the classroom with activities that students participate in to address the needs of the surrounding community.
Direct Service The Triangle of Quality Community Service • Reflection • Education
What ARE THE BENEFITS OF Service-Learning? * Connecting with a new neighborhood * Improving your resume * Replacing a class paper or presentation * Exploring professional fields * Developing and Improving skills * Making a difference!
Service-LearningAcross campus * 1,688 students * 37,465 hours of service * 48 service-learning courses * 5 events LAST YEAR @ BSC
BSC STUDENT REPORTED BENEFITS OF SERVICE-LEARNING * Communication skills * Real world experience * Working as part of a team * Analytical skills * Critical thinking skills * Public speaking skills * Social self-confidence * Problem-solving skills * Computer skills * Research skills TEN TOP SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2010 1. Communication skills (verbal) 2. Strong work ethic 3. Teamwork skills 4. Analytical skills 5. Initiative 6. Problem-solving skills 7. Communication skills (written) 8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) 9. Computer skills 10. Flexibility/adaptability Notice anything?
STUDENT POST-SURVEYS 78 % would encourage other students to try service-learning 83% learn course content best when connections are made to real life 93% felt they learn from people who are different from them 88% felt they make a difference in the community
BUFFALO’S ASSETS * People * Architecture * Great Lakes * Cost of Living * Recreation * Arts and Culture * Higher Education * Urban Gardening & Farming *
BUFFALO’S CHALLENGES * the 3rd poorest large city in the nation. * the 2nd most abandoned homes in the USA. * the 6thmost segregated city in the country. * 2,000 people are homeless on any given night in Buffalo. * 42% of Buffalo’s children live in poverty. * 1/3 of the adult population in Buffalo live below the poverty line. * 33% of women in Buffalo have experienced domestic violence.
* 24% of all refugees that come into New York State settle in the Buffalo area. * Approximately 1,000 refugees that come each year reside in West Side Neighborhood due to abundant and low cost housing, as well as easy access to public transportation. *Is Buffalo’s most diverse region with over 70 languages are spoken, with countries of origin including Bhutan, Ghana, Somalia, Sudan, Burma, Bangladesh, Thailand, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. Buffalo’s West side * There are four resettlement agencies and 2 post-resettlement service agencies located in or within 2 miles of the West Side.
Buffalo’s Youth * Nearly 20% of youth under the age of 18 in Erie County live in poverty. * In the city of Buffalo, this statistic is 42%. * 1 in 3 students entering 9th grade won’t graduate with their classmates in 4 years. * Without a high school diploma, a young person is twice as likely to be unemployed. * Only 15% of all child care programs meet national standards.
HELP COMMUNITY AGENCIES THAT PARTNERS WITH YOUR CLASS TO: * Increase the number of clients served * Better meet community needs * Increase mentoring services * Incorporate new ideas * Increase services offered * Make new connections YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE
YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE * Introduce yourself, identifying your college, class and professor * Be respectful of time constraints they may have * Be flexible and accommodating as your schedule allows * Be professional GETTING STARTED
YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE * Be open to new ideas and ways of doing things * Be reliable * Be respectful * Be responsible * Be willing to learn new skills * Communicate effectively-speak to the appropriate person EXPECTATIONS
SERVICE LOG * Keep an accurate record of your service hours. * Have the community agency or staff verify your hours and sign your service log. * Sign and return to your professor. YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Check the VSLC website www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/vslc or call the office at 878-5811 for information about: WHAT’S NEXT? * current volunteer opportunities * upcoming events * additional service-learning courses * community work study
Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement * BSC students can now earn a Volunteer and Service-Learning Center (VSLC) Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement for their extended involvement as a BSC student in community service, service-learning, and other community based work. * At least 120 hours of service is required and should span your career as a BSC student. * Visit the VSLC website www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/vslc for details.