The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Service Learning Academy works to support UNO faculty members to develop service learning courses in collaboration with community organizations, governmental agencies, businesses, and P-12 faculty. The program was originally funded by a grant from the Nebraska Consortium for Service Learning in Higher Education. Today, the SLA is supported by the Office of Ac
ademic and Student Affairs. Expanding its student participation from 133 students in 7 courses during the 1998–1999 academic year to 2,300 students in 121 classes in disciplines and interdisciplinary programs during the 2010–2011 academic year, the Service Learning Academy has grown impressively since its establishment. The Assessment & Statistics page details such growth. The UNO Service Learning Academy leads in the creation of university-wide partnerships with the community by integrating academic scholarship and civic engagement. We believe…
- that integrating academic knowledge with a service learning experience in the community prepares students to work and serve in an increasingly diverse and challenging environment.
- that service learning creates opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- that service learning inspires students toward an ethic of service that leads them into increased community involvement.
- in serving students, faculty, and the community by facilitating collaborative partnerships, providing support, and offering opportunities for professional development.
- in valuing our community partner and faculty as teachers.
- in valuing the success of others. The service learning experience aims to benefit the students who participate by building their civic engagement, enhancing their academic experience, and supporting their personal growth. The Assessment & Statistics page details such impacts. Service learning benefits are felt beyond the university. Over 200 organizations—from Boys and Girls Clubs to the Intercultural Senior Center—have been able to better serve the community through the efforts of UNO service learning students. The P-16 Initiative, which partners UNO faculty with Pre K-12 teachers to create a joint service learning experience. To date, 72 Pre K-12 faculty members have attended the Service Learning Seminar and are currently in the process of planning or implementing service learning projects in their classes. During the 2010–2011 school year, these teachers involved 1,356 Pre K-12 students in service learning. These Pre K-12 teachers and students represent 25 different schools in the Omaha metropolitan areas, ranging from elementary through high school.
