Service Learning Program

The Elmhurst College Service Learning Program provides opportunities for students and faculty to connect on-campus learning with service to the local, national, or global community. Service learning furthers the College mission of preparing students “for meaningful and ethical contributions to a diverse, global society” by bridging the gap between theory and practice, the individual and the community.  

A survey conducted by the Service Learning Program in the Fall of 2018 indicated that 83% of Elmhurst College undergraduate students feel “a responsibility to serve the community.” This program provides possibilities for bringing these feelings of responsibility to life.  

Participating in service learning completes the circle between giving and receiving. The benefits for the student include: 

• the opportunity to consider one’s relationship to the communities in which one engages;  
• the exploration of one’s own personal capacity and desire to serve others;  
• the possibility to practicing creative decision-making and leadership skills;  
• the development of behaviors necessary for responsible citizenship; 
• and, the heightening of sensitivity to cultural difference and independence.  

Community partners welcoming Elmhurst College service learners include organizations which prompt reflection in a variety of areas, including, Animal Care, Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Domestic Violence, Education and Literacy, Environmental Preservation, Global Challenges, Health and Well-being, Older Adults, People with Disabilities, and Social and Economic Inequalities.