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The College of Engineering has determined that Service Learning is a
critical aspect of the academic and personal growth of its students.
Service Learning student participants are actively engaged in projects
coordinated within an educational institution or community service
program. The Service Learning students provide direct support as mentors
for younger students and they also serve local and international
communities. For example some students are mentoring high school
students in programs like the Villanova Engineering and Science
Technology Enrichment Development Program
(VESTED). The Service Learning
students meet throughout the semester during a structured time that
incorporates a reflection on their service experience.
Each year, Villanova Students engage in community service, many times
traveling into Philadelphia to volunteer at soup kitchens or after
school programs. Over semester breaks however these students take their
passion for helping others to impoverished countries.
In the College of Engineering students use their engineering
expertise and their passion for giving to others to construct safe
homes, schools and water systems. Students in the College of Engineering
have traveled far and to share their newly learned skills with others
and to learn more about the world we live in.
The actual work that engineering students do may differ from other
service projects. It is each students challenge to explore and discuss
the issues that affect the communities they are serving. These
experiences have a positive influence on what students are experiencing
in their classroom.
Engineering students do not receive extra credit
for service they learn how to contribute to the community at large. The
Service Learning experience is a process enhanced by the class, the
action of service and reflection. For more information, please contact
an engineering department or the Office of Service Learning, St.
Augustine Center for the Liberal Arts, at 610.519.4602.
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