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service learning
Service learning courses are available in a variety of academic departments. They typically require a 3-4 hour commitment per week in an organization that is specifically related to the content of the course.

These courses are designed to help you learn the material of the course better, by actively engaging in meaningful service.

Students who enroll in service learning courses learn the skills that employers and graduate schools want, regardless of your major. These include: Community partners are pre-screened and chosen in advance. Students typically work in groups on projects that can be direct service (e.g., tutoring and mentoring) or research as service (e.g. our summer Community Based Research Institute on "Immigration Issues in Los Angeles").

Here is a sample of academic departments that offer service learning courses for undergraduates:

 


ucla center for american politics and public policy (CAPP)

The Center for American Politics and Public Policy (CAPPP) offers the only academic quarter in Washington program at UCLA. While on a CAPPP program, students remain full-time UCLA students, allowing them to continue their degree progress while away from Los Angeles.

CAPPP sends students throughout the academic year. While the Fall/Spring Quarter and Winter Quarter programs differ slightly, they both offer the same one-on-one faculty interaction and substantive internship placements.

Application deadline for the Fall 2007 CAPPP Quarter in Washington program is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH.

Students who have missed the information sessions are encouraged to stop by the CAPPP office, 4250 Public Policy, to learn about the program and how to apply. Basic information can be found by going to o our website and clicking on “Quarter in Washington Program”: www.cappp.ucla.edu

We will also be holding a 1-hour workshop on writing the personal statement/short essay, which is the single most important component of the application. Bring a rough draft, some notes, or even just some ideas about research topics.



civic engagement minor

Students enrolled in the Civic Engagement Minor may fulfill their elective requirement by participating in the CAPP Program. For more information please contact Angela Chen.



service learning information

At A Glance: What We Know about The Effects of Service-Learning on College Students, Faculty, Institutions and Communities, 1993-2000":
www.compact.org/resource/aag.pdf

This fact sheet from the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse includes statistics on service-learning in higher education:
www.servicelearning.org/resources/fact_sheets/he_facts/evidence/

Guidelines for Service-Learning at UCLA

students' comments

Here's what other UCLA students have to say about service learning courses:

"These courses fill a real need on campus and in the community. They combine theory and practice in a systematic way" (summer 2002).

"I never thought about going to graduate school before, but now I know I can handle research! (summer 2002).

"I think every UCLA undergraduate should be required to take a service learning course!" (winter 2002).

"Before I took this course, I felt lost at UCLA. But I met friends in this class and got to know the professor." (summer 2003).

"Thank you for opening my eyes up to the many opportunities that are available for me to get involved in community service and civic engagement. I am considering getting involved in an AmeriCorps program and will be looking at other NGOs. I will be enthusiastically recommending this course to all my friends!" (service learning student, winter 2005)

"I truly enjoyed the course in Service Learning. UCLA should offer more courses like it." (service learning student, winter 2005)

"This was by far the most engaging class I have ever been part of. I enjoyed the class very much. I can only hope every college student has the opportunity to experience this classroom environment. Among the great attractions of the course were the field learning experiences." (service learning student, winter 2005)

"I had a wonderful time in this class and really learned a lot about my community and being a participating member. I love the discussions. I got really excited about actually getting involved." (service learning student, winter 2005)

"I enjoyed this class very much. It was thought provoking and made me re-evaluate some of my previous opinions." (service learning student, winter 2005)

"These last ten weeks have provided a life lesson, enabling me to become a better-rounded individual as I now view the world through a more enlightened lens." (service learning student, spring 2005)

"This is a chance to grow, not a way to fulfill a major and get units. Every UCLA student should be made to take a class like this before they graduate. As students here at UCLA we sometimes tend to get into a bubble, and lose sight of the world outside of academia. Because of this class I have met people, and worked on projects that I would otherwise have never been involved with." (service learning student, spring 2005).