Think outside the bookbag!
Explore the latest Duke service-learning courses on our website, or search ACES for service-learning courses today!
Are you in the loop?
For announcements about Duke service-learning courses and programs, volunteer opportunities, service-related job postings and internships, conferences, and research opportunities...
Service-Learning Student Leadership Team
The Service-Learning Student Leadership Team serves as advocates for service-learning at Duke and consultants to the Service-Learning Program staff. With support, they lead initiatives that highlight and promote quality service-learning, deepen our understanding of the outcomes of service-learning, and contribute to the service and civic engagement communities on campus.
LEAPS
LEAPS (Learning through Experience, Action, Partnership, and Service) is a student organization comprised of trained facilitators who work with faculty to design and facilitate reflection sessions for Duke service-learning courses.
Alden Award
The Betsy Alden Outstanding Service-Learning Awards recognize one graduating senior, one faculty member, and one community partner for their outstanding commitment to the ideals of service-learning.
Other Ways to Connect Civic Engagement with Undergraduate Studies at Duke
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Talk to one of Duke's global/civic advisors. The Undergraduate Global Advising office has some great resources to help you find your path and make it happen, as well as profiles and pointers from other students.
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Explore courses, programs, and research on particular civic engagement topics using Duke's Civic Engagement portal or the Duke Center for Civic Engagement's CE Knowledge Maps.
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Look for House Courses that combine study with public service, such as Project Durham, Developing Leadership through Community Service, or the Durham Giving Project.
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Apply for a DukeEngage program with a strong academic component such as a preparation or follow-up course.
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Consider applying for a Civic Summer Research Fellowship or an undergraduate research program, or proposing a senior honors thesis/project to investigate a pressing social issue or concern.
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Explore the Kenan Institute for Ethics, which offers a pre-orientation program, Focus cluster, DukeEngage project, and ethics certificate, among other opportunities.
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Check out the Hart Leadership Program within the Sanford School of Public Policy, which infuses "research service-learning" into core Public Policy courses and offers service, leadership, and social entrepreneurship programs.
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Visit Duke Global Health to learn more about their certificate programs, Focus cluster, semester abroad, and other opportunities.
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Engineering students: explore Pratt's many service and outreach programs.
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Interested in studying abroad? Consider the Duke in the Andes program, which includes a community service component.
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Keep an eye on upcoming topics for the Duke Center for Civic Engagement's civicXchange, Civic Forums, and Civic Thursdays. Consider joining or attending when the topic relates to your area of study.
For general volunteer opportunities, visit the Duke Community Service Center or join one of the many student service organizations sponsored by the Duke Partnership for Service.
Austin Mattox, Trinity '11
Before enrolling in Dr. Deborah Gold’s Death and Dying course, I separated community service and academic learning into two distinct categories… The service-learning approach of Dr. Gold’s course was an eye-opening experience that blended the intricacies of vibrant classroom debates with the excitement of engaging the local community.
I volunteered at Duke Children’s hospital as part of my service-learning in Dr. Gold’s class and have continued to do so over my time at Duke… I [also] facilitated student-led discussion sections for Dr. Gold’s courses as part of the Learning through Experience, Action, Partnership, and Service (LEAPS) program.
The idea of pushing students into situations beyond their comfort zones, beyond what they would normally see in a typical classroom setting, is incredibly important. These initially uncomfortable situations force students to examine personal beliefs, morals, and apply classroom information practically.
Simultaneously, students understand that community service is not about allotting a few hours a week as a “feel-good” exercise but is instead a way to explore and learn about the people and places where they live. This service-learning approach builds leaders with a strong moral compass that encourages them to become responsible citizens in their present and future communities.