Service Learning at Oakton
Service Learning is a growing movement on college and university campuses to learn through engaged and active involvement in the community. Through service learning, students connect course content to real issues, complete volunteer hours, then reflect on what they learned. Oakton College is a strong community service advocate whose mission is to “empower and transform our students in the diverse communities we service.” Since 1997, Oakton has worked with the Association of American Community Colleges on civic engagement initiatives.
An important aspect of service learning is student participation, from identifying the community need to researching and contributing to the outcomes. Students who have a voice in the process are more intrinsically involved. When service learning is applied in a way that connects with course content, literature and community needs, students generally report that they:
- Have a stronger connection to content.
- Understand how content relates to real life.
- Engage with others who may differ from them.
- Discover academic, social and personal skills.
- Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their community.
- Develop leadership abilities to solve problems, work as a team while helping others.
Oakton's Service Learning program integrates service projects with an academic curriculum, involving reflection of the service experience through reading, writing, speaking, listening and participating in group discussions. When participating in service learning, you will also have opportunities to:
- Explore majors and careers.
- Gain valuable work experience and build your resume.
- Learn new skills.
- Improve your self-esteem and personal satisfaction.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
- Give back to your community.
Volunteering and community service are valuable activities that can help our students grow as civic-minded individuals. Helping students between their academic and service aspirations has been a priority for years. Students who seek to get involved in a community or want to explore a cause they are passionate about should consider service learning as a method of enhancing their college experience.
Since 1997, over ninety percent of current and former participants highly recommend service learning to all Oakton students. To explore service learning programs' possibilities and for more information, contact your advisor or instructor for initial guidance. You can also contact servicelearning@oakton.edu for more information.
Community Partnerships
Over 500 students from our Des Plaines and Skokie campuses have participated in service learning activities with over 100 community partners. These non-profit organizations represent a variety of community needs, from homelessness to domestic abuse.
Students have accumulated service hours at hospice centers, food banks and conservation sites as well. Real-world issues are as diverse as the people they impact.
Look through the list of Community Partnerships that work with Oakton students:
Contact Us
For questions about volunteering and service learning opportunities, please contact servicelearning@oakton.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions