Programs

Placement & Support for Course-based Service-Learning

Each year JMU offers approximately 30 service-learning courses that place approximately 1,200 students in 75 community service agencies. CS-L supports all service-learning placement activities. CS-L also offers reflection services that help make connections between the service experience and learning goals.

Community Projects Program

This program provides short-term service learning opportunities to JMU students based on local community needs.

Alternative Break Program

Each year JMU offers student led and developed service trips to locations in the United States and abroad. Each service team consists of 8 student participants, two student co-leaders and a faculty or staff learning partner. Most trips take place during the spring break period, but trips are offered at all of the JMU academic breaks. For the 2001-2002 academic year JMU offered 32 service trips (which involved 33 faculty/ staff and over 350 students) to sites in the United States, Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica and Dominica. The JMU program was selected in 1999 as the National Program of the Year by Break Away, the national Alternative Break organization.

Technology Assistance Program

This program places JMU students in community service agencies needing technology assistance. Projects include computer networking, web design and computer training.

America Reads and Community Work Study

The America Reads partnership places JMU students in elementary schools to tutor in reading. The Community Work Study program places students in community service agencies that address a variety of community needs. Both programs are part of the Federal Work Study financial aid program. Each month JMU tutors attend reflection sessions where they explore connections between their service experience and academic/career goals.

Partnerships with JMU Alumni Relations

JMU strives to keep alumni connected to the life of the University. Community Service-Learning has developed two exciting partnerships to support this effort.

JMU Alumni Chapters hosting JMU Alternative Break Teams

This program was developed to get JMU alumni more involved with both JMU and the community partner agencies served by Alternative Spring Break trips. The intention is to have alumni chapters’ host Alternative Break Teams and continue to serve in the community agencies after the JMU students return to JMU for classes.

Alumni Service Trips

In November 2004 JMU will send its fifth alumni trip to Paix Bouche, Dominica. These alumni service trips allow JMU alumni to continue to make a difference in communities around the world.

Service-Learning Resource Center

A wide variety of service-learning information is located in the CS-L office, Wilson 204. Individual consultation is available upon request.