University Programs Receive National Recognition
March 17, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – March 17, 2009 – The University of South Carolina has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. It’s the third consecutive year that the university has been recognized as one of the nation’s leaders in community service and service-learning programs.
The Honor Roll, which was launched in 2006, recognizes American colleges and universities that offer innovative and effective community service and academic service-learning programs.
Service learning at the university has become an important part of the undergraduate experience, said Jimmie Gahagan, assistant vice provost for student engagement.
“Service learning enhances traditional instruction by promoting active learning, real-world application of course content and reflection by students who are working with partner organizations to address an identified community need,” he said.
The university’s Community Service Programs initiative, celebrating its 20th anniversary, coordinates service projects that last year included the children’s literacy initiative, Cocky’s Reading Express; Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service; and Day for Dillon, a volunteer effort to assist the students and teachers in one of South Carolina’s poorest school districts.
Through these and other programs, including service-learning courses, an estimated 16,334 students engaged in nearly 250,000 hours of community service last year.
