Office of Student Life
STEP
Second-year Transformational Experience Program

Service-Learning

The purpose of engaging in Service-Learning at the collegiate level, and as a STEP Signature Project, goes beyond simply performing a direct service. A STEP Signature Project focused on service allows for critical exploration of underlying causes, challenges and politics related to a particular societal issue. Students are encouraged to partner with a community, nonprofit or other organization to address an identified need. Students gain an understanding of the issues, resources, assets and cultures of the community in which they are serving. At the end of the service, students are able to reflect on and analyze the connection between their academic pursuits and the service they conducted and evaluate the quality and impact of the service. Explore project examples and reflections.

Service-Learning Project Examples

The entrance of the Columbus Cancer Clinic

Volunteering at a Cancer Clinic

"...I volunteered at the Columbus Cancer Clinic, which provides free or low-cost screenings and mammograms, cancer prevention and education..." Click here to read the rest of Ruhi's STEP Reflection!
Two horses eat from haybales

Colorado Horse Rescue

"For my STEP Signature Project, I went to McCoy Colorado where I volunteered at the Mountain Valley Horse Rescue with a Buck-I-SERV group..." Click here to read the rest of Katherine's STEP Reflection!
Student sits in front of fallen trees on a trail restoration project

Trail Restoration in Arizona

"The trail restoration work was necessitated by severe flooding that had drastically damaged the pre-existing trails..." Click here to read the rest of Logan's STEP Reflection!