Creating Sustainable Service Learning Programs : Lessons Learned from the Horizons Project, 1997-2000. Project Brief / Gail Robinson.

The document discusses a project that sought to create sustainable service learning programs in community colleges. In 1997, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) (District of Columbia) began a 3-year grant project to increase the number, quality, and sustainability of service learning programs in community colleges nationwide. Fourteen colleges worked together in AACC's project, Community Colleges Broadening Horizons through Service Learning, to overcome challenges and learn valuable lessons in developing and sustaining academically based service learning programs. These Horizons Colleges used a variety of activities and strategies to ensure institutional and community support for service learning. The strategies fell into 14 categories, which include administration involvement and support; climate; community collaboration; curricular integration; and faculty development and involvement. Involving all levels of the college administration in service learning--from department chairs and deans to vice presidents and presidents--is an important strategy. Many Horizons Colleges discovered the effectiveness of service learner presentations to college governing boards. This strategy works well because students tend to be the most effective promoters of service learning. Effective service learning cannot happen without well-designed community partnerships. Regular agency orientations or training sessions can help community partners understand the difference between service learning and volunteerism. (Contains 18 references.) (JA)

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