What are Some Examples of Applied and Service-Learning Projects Students Can Complete?

The Applied and Service-Learning Program offers a continuum of possibilities ranging from a one-time day experience, to working with the same organization over the course of a semester. Nevertheless, a project should achieve two goals. The first goal, the project should advance the work of the community partner. The second goal, the project needs to connect to the course’s specific learning objectives.

Project Ideas

The following are examples of student projects divided into general disciplines:

Discipline	Applied and Service Learning Project Ideas
Accounting/Business/Economics	Develop an accounting system for a community partner Provide instructions on personal finance to residents in a home-care facility Assist high school students preparing for college expenses Assist elderly or low-income based citizens with tax preparation Conduct workshops on how to start a business Create marketing materials for an organization
Anthropology	Conduct oral histories of a particular group of people Prepare displays at local public schools or libraries related to the community history
Archeology	Catalog artifacts for a local museum
Arts/Music	Teach art techniques to students a local school Offer music lessons to an after school program Design a mural for the community to enjoy Develop short theatre presentations and/or musical performances for local schools Design brochures, logos, or other materials for an organization
Computer Science	Teach computer skills workshops to members of the local library/senior center Design a website for a non-profit Develop a database or electronic forms for a social service agency
Education	Develop a tutoring services program Organize a book-drive for children libraries, then help them develop a reading program for children
English	Interview and write oral biographies of a particular group of people Assist agencies with writing clear and concise grant proposals Create the promotional materials for an organization Assist high school students working on the college application essay Design and teach a poetry writing class Assist non-profits with technical writing projects Work with elementary school students on their literacy skills
Kinesiology	Teach aerobics or another form of general fitness at a senior citizen center or nursing home Offer sports skills clinics for a youth organization
Political Science	Organize a voter registration drive Teach different facets of government to students at a local school Work with a community partners regarding data needed for Census Provide non-partisan voter information via a community organization
Psychology	Provide support to families of children in the hospital via the Ronald McDonald organization. Assist with special-needs, mental health, or counseling agencies
Science	Conduct classes at a senior center about the biology of aging Study nutritional practices at a location and then develop educational materials to distribute to those members Teach children about any form of science Assist an organization in developing and publishing information on the hazards of drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc. Assist local parks and recreation center with restoring trails and educating users about proper trail usage Test air, soil or water quality levels for a community organization
Sociology	Study the homeless population and develop programs for them Research a community need and publish the findings Design a website containing information about the various geographic locations in a certain area Design statistical models to determine the needs of a special population