Community Service-Learning
The mission of Community Service-Learning (CSL) at the University of Maryland is to promote service-learning as an integral aspect of education and to foster university engagement within the larger community.
More specifically, CSL promotes leadership, community service-learning, and student involvement as integral aspects of college education. They facilitate leadership learning and community service-learning across curriculum and co-curriculum for lifelong application. They promote leadership, civic engagement and multicultural competence within individuals, groups, and systems for the advancement of the socially responsible citizenry.
CSL programs include:
- Alternative Breaks Program
- America Reads * America Counts
- Hunger & Homelessness Awareness
- Terp Service Weekend
- Terps for Change
Click here to visit the Community Service-Learning website.
Alternative Breaks
The Alternative Breaks (AB) program sends hundreds of University
students each year on service-learning trips across the nation and
world to address some of the most pressing social, political, and
environmental issues of our time. During the 2009-2010 academic
year, the AB program sent 24 groups to various domestic and
international locations. A few of those trips focused on
sustainability, environment, and conservation directly.
Sustainable Development in the Bahamas: The trip examined the relationship between tourism, environmental degradation, and social welfare in the Bahamas. Students met with local government officials, visited an eco-lodge, and helped build structures that protect the natural environment near the trails leading to the Blue Holes tourist attraction.
Urban Agriculture in Boston, MA: Students explored sustainable, organic, and community farming practices in an urban environment, while learning about the issues of food security, hunger, and homelessness. Students weeded, dug, shoveled, and transformed the space for planting at Vision Urban Farm and Long Island Farms among many other activities, while volunteering with organizations focused on food justice.
Seashore Conservation at Cumberland Island, GA: This trip focused on the conservation and preservation of the National Seashore, including unspoiled beaches, dunes, freshwater lakes, and marshes. Students spent the week engaging in trail maintenance and removing invasive species.
Terps for Change
Terps for Change brings together students who are passionate about understanding the complexities of social issues and who are inspired to collaborate with community partners to affect positive social change. Students commit to work with one community agency, addressing specific social issues, once a week for 2-3 hours throughout the semester.
The Terps for Change environmental sustainability group worked with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission throughout 2009-2010. Students worked with Park Rangers on the Paint Branch Trail near campus to pull invasive species, such as bamboo, pick up trash, and a variety of other tasks.