One way to establish value is to let the students see how the project gives them an
opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills that they have been acquiring during
their college experience. Another way is to offer projects that challenge students to
stretch both their personal skills and professional skills. For example, a project could
call on a human resource management major to help a local non-profit organization
create an orientation program for its volunteers or require an accounting major to help
low-income community members prepare their tax returns. Although these students
could find other rewarding service learning projects that help the community, the
above examples are more likely to provide value because they offer students opportunities
to grow both personally and professionally. In addition, the Community
Leadership class counts toward a Leadership Certificate offered through our management
department, and it allows students to operate in a more applied setting.