Daemen College : Academics & Research : Interdisciplinary Programs : Service Learning
Service Learning
The nationally recognized Service Learning program at Daemen provides students with opportunities to enrich their lives and communities long after they graduate from the College. Through the integration of academic curriculum with active participation in service, and opportunities for reflection and group processing of their experiences, students enhance constructive thinking and value formation. Service Learning also affords powerful application of classroom experiences and assists faculty and students in becoming partners in the teaching-learning process.
All undergraduate students fulfill a three-credit hour service learning requirement. This is accomplished through enrollment in a service learning course and participation (individually or within a group) in short and long-term service assignments and projects in local, national, or international disadvantaged communities. Placements in a wide variety of local community settings are available throughout the academic year; national and international service learning opportunities typically taking place during the inter-semester and spring break. Last academic year, nearly 500 Daemen students contributed more than 30,000 volunteer service hours to urban after-school programs, youth and senior advocate agencies, housing rehabilitation projects, health and human service agencies, homeless shelters, economic recovery initiatives, and refugee populations. The benefits of Service Learning include: hands-on experiences; engagement in peer bonding; development of leadership qualities, civic responsibility, and commitment; opportunity to connect ones education with the world at large, and the opportunity to assist and learn from others.
Daemen Colleges program has been recognized with various awards, including the Presidents Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll designation for exemplary service efforts to disadvantaged youth, and the U.S. Presidents Points of Light National Service Award. Daemen College is a proud, founding member of the Western New York Service Learning Coalition, developed to coordinate and more effectively deliver service learning opportunities among all member institutions of higher education and community organizations seeking service learners.