The Service Scholar program is truly indicative of its name— we encourage students to critically engage in service through academic study and experiential learning, with the intention that our students will be scholars of service in both practice and understanding. Therefore, this program is far more than a financial means and requires great commitment and dedication.
Since 2010, the Service Scholar program has featured a four-year curriculum. While some parts of this program remain the same throughout a scholar’s undergraduate years, many parts of the curriculum are specific to a scholar’s development within the program.
Experience: Years 1-4
- Attend program orientation each semester
- Attend monthly, program-wide gatherings, called “Evenings”
- Participate in the Scholar peer mentor program, as both a mentee and a mentor
- Learn reflection and facilitation skills
Explore: Year 1
- Enroll in a 1-credit course in fall and spring semesters. Readings will be focused on service identity and local service topics.
- Complete 45 hours of service in the fall and 75 hours of service in the spring.
Engage: Year 2
- Enroll in a 0-credit course in the fall and spring semesters. Readings will be focused on the Social Change Wheel, critiques of service, the mechanics of non-profit service agencies, and leadership through applied engagement.
- Complete 75 hours of service each semester.
Commit: Year 3
- Attend bi-weekly cohort gatherings
- Commit at least 60 hours of service each semester toward a service internship with one agency
- Identify and commit to a personal philosophy of service
- Present a service internship poster, synthesizing program participation and learning
- Complete 75 hours of service each semester
Commence: Year 4
- Attend monthly cohort gatherings
- Demonstrate leadership and service identity
- Coordinate and facilitate either a group project open to all Service Scholars each semester
- Complete 75 hours of service each semester
Additional Experiences
Service Scholars have found success becoming involved in complimentary programs across campus, including Social Science Scholars, Global Scholars, Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP), the Honors Program (including Honors in the Major), National Fellowships and Grants, and more!