Service-learning is a method of teaching and learning designed to connect meaningful community service with academic coursework and purposeful reflection. The experience promotes reciprocal benefits for all participants and a renewed sense of community connection while upholding the principles embodied in the Carolina Creed.
Service-Learning Awards
Given to at least one student who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service-learning. Qualified students should have demonstrated significant academic growth and have made a meaningful contribution to her or his community partner agency.
Given to at least one faculty member who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service-learning. Recipients of the award will be honored for implementing service-learning in a manner consistent with good practice and for demonstrating a measurable and meaningful impact on students and the community.
Presented to at least one community partner that has worked to support the University of South Carolina's service-learning and/or community engagement efforts and has enhanced the quality of life in the community in meaningful and measurable ways.
The Gulf-South Summit Award for Outstanding Student Contributions to Service-Learning will be given to a full or part-time undergraduate student who has demonstrated extraordinary public or community service efforts while attending an institution of higher education. The award recipient will receive a plaque in recognition of his or her accomplishments in addition to a monetary award of $500.
Evaluation criteria are as follows:
- Evidence of the effects of his/her service-learning participation on the community
- Evidence of the effects of service-learning participation on his or her academic learning, civic commitment, community awareness and personal development
- Evidence of how service-learning efforts have furthered the mission of his/her institution
- Demonstrated innovative and sustained work to address an issue in the community
The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can — and does — play in building a better world.
Newman Civic Fellows are recommended by college and university presidents to acknowledge motivation and ability in public leadership.