Service Learning

Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy designed by faculty to contextualize classroom learning and to provide much needed volunteer services to our community partners. Service learning offers students the opportunity to develop and refine 21st century job readiness skills, such as critical and creative thinking; collaboration; communication; and interpersonal skills. It also reinforces the theoretical learning occurring in the classroom in a way that provides “real world” context. Service learning is different than volunteerism. The service learning experience is closely tied to course learning objectives and students receive academic course credit for their efforts.

Students who complete 20+ hours of service learning are awarded a commemorative pin, and students who complete 40+ hours of service learning are awarded a service medallion to wear at graduation. Students who perform 100 + hours of service receive a certificate of congratulations from President James Vander Hooven. Service learning is accrued over the student’s entire course of study at MWCC and is recognized at graduation. Service learning is required in some courses, and optional in others. It is at the individual faculty member's discretion as to whether service learning is an option in any given course. Most courses with service learning are tagged in the registration system as either “SLR” (service learning required) or “SLO” (service learning optional). An academic advisor may assist in finding courses with the option that is right for an individual student. Once a student has identified and obtained approval for a service opportunity, and has submitted all required documentation to the Brewer Center, the student is responsible for reporting all hours completed through GivePulse, which can be found on iConnect. Faculty and advisors are responsible for verifying hours reported by each student.

For more information about service learning, please visit The Senator Stephen M. Brewer Center for Civic Learning and Community Engagement (the Brewer Center) in room 152 at the Gardner Campus, or visit the website.

Community Service and Volunteerism

As the catalyst that can spark lifelong commitment to the community, service and volunteerism are at the core of the civic engagement movement at Mount Wachusett Community College. In collaboration with the MWCC Student Life Office and a wide variety of community partners, a diverse range of service opportunities are offered for community-minded individuals and groups each year. The Brewer Center assists in connecting interested individuals or groups with nonprofits in the region looking for support or volunteerism. Projects take place both on and off campus. 

For more information, visit the student page of the Brewer Center's website.