FAQs
Have any questions?
We’ve got the answers!
What is service learning?
Service learning is well-informed community service. It’s not just pushing old ladies in wheelchairs around nursing homes. This is a great way to help others, but service learning is more than just donating one’s time to the community. Service learning projects allow students to incorporate the academic knowledge that they are learning in their classes to solve problems that face their communities.
What are some examples of possible service learning projects?
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few examples: An engineering student may spend the summer in New Orleans designing flood resistant buildings for nonprofit organizations, homes, schools, and community areas that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. An education major may use knowledge gained from college classes to design an after school curriculum and teach inner city children in New York how to start and manage a business. Basic math skills would be integrated into the exciting, hands-on course. A public policy student may study the connection between obesity in low-income neighborhoods in class and then use this information to design a plan for a city to add new sidewalks, parks, streetlights, and grocery stores. This will help individuals in these communities live healthy lifestyles.
Do I need to send a transcript that shows my GPA?
A transcript would be very helpful, but it isn’t necessary in order to apply.
Do my grades matter?
Only to a certain extent. We want to see students who are passionate about solving a persistent community problem. Be sure to communicate this in your application. Good grades show that you work hard and are reasonably intelligent. We want to know why you are willing to invest your time, energy, and self into your project. What led you to become concerned about this problem? Which of your talents will you use when addressing the problem?
Can I apply if I attend a community college?
Yes.
Do I need to have a community partner before I apply?
No. For those of you who are not well-versed in ivory tower lingo, a community partner is a local nonprofit organization, government department, or business who is committed to making your service efforts succeed. However, having a community partner lined up before you apply is looked upon favorably in the applications process. We would like for grant recipients to have at least one person in the community who can assist them with their project if necessary.
I’ve got more questions. Who can help me?
More questions? We’d be glad to help. Don’t be afraid to give us a call or email. Besides, we’re just college students like yourself.
Contact Angela Perkey
(757)-221-5128 or angelaperkey@studentsserve.org
How can I donate to help students serve their communities?
We want to make this as easy as possible for you!
1. Send a check to Students Serve at the following address:
Students Serve
c/o Angela Perkey
College Station Unit 1689
P.O. Box 8793
Williamsburg, VA 23186
2. Donate with a credit card through our PayPal link on the homepage of this website.
3. Contact Angela Perkey at
angelaperkey@studentsserve.org (757)-221-5128.