One of the hallmarks of outstanding leaders is an awareness of the challenges faced by society and our local communities. Many future employers, as well as many graduate and professional schools, are looking for individuals who have contributed in a meaningful way to their community and who have applied their academic knowledge to community problem-solving. Service learning provides one such vehicle for integrate the university teaching and research mission with its mission of service.

Service learning guides the Civic Engagement and Community Service Community Edge experience.  In service learning students lead the process, with guidance from professional mentors, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to community concerns. The knowledge and skills gained from academic coursework and co-curricular activities enable students to actively engage in positive community change.  Students residing in the Civic Engagement and Community Service Competitive Edge Community enroll in a three (3) credit Introduction to Social Work in Civic Engagement seminar course over their two (2) semesters in residence (student can take this course as variable 1-3 credits each term over the two term for a total of 3 credits, and this course then will count toward a social work degree or minor should they wish to pursue further pre-professional study in social work.). This seminar course has generally met on Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:30 pm in Panther Hall.

Specifically, the Civic Engagement and Community Service Competitive Edge Community provides students with guided service learning experiences. In addition to the service learning seminar class, residents of this community are required to participate in group and individual community service activities each term in support of critical community service organizations and issues that also provide opportunities to:

• network with knowledgeable nonprofit, social service, business, government, and community leaders to develop and refine leadership skills;
• be mentored by faculty, staff of the residence hall, and community leaders, a process which has been demonstrated to enhance the likelihood of academic and career success; and
• link with fellow students interested in social justice and community service in a structured service learning community that also allows exploration of skills and careers in social work and related helping professions.

Coordinated through the School of Social Work, those residents who are interested will also have enhanced opportunities to complete an undergraduate degree or minor in social work as well as apply to the graduate programs in social work (MSW and PhD). For more information, students can contact the co-instructors/coordinators for this LLC, Tracy Soska (tsssw@pitt.edu) or Keith Caldwell (kjc45@pitt.edu).

Location: Panther Hall

Applications are now closed