These projects are an awesome opportunity to engage with our local community. Please note that Reflective Service-Learning hours are only available for these projects if you are a current senior or are in a Reflective Service Learning course. Space is limited. Spring Break Service 2023 registrations are due March 10, 2023!
Community Based Programming
Service Learning on the local, national, and international levels
Alternative Spring Break
The Eckerd College Office of Service Learning offers students, staff, and faculty the opportunity to propose and develop Spring Break Service Learning Trips. These trips travel both domestically and internationally, and focus on a variety of service causes and issues.
Autumn Term
Autumn Term: Into the Streets serves as a foundation for incoming first year students embarking upon their educational journey at Eckerd College. During Autumn Term Eckerd College first-year students have the opportunity to participate in a three-day Into the Streets service program and work with agencies in the Tampa Bay Area to perform meaningful service work
Weekly Programs
The Office of Service Learning offers weekly Service and Celebration events, in which students participate in off-campus service activities. See our calls for participation on our landing page.
Educational Initiatives
The Office of Service Learning encourages students to rethink what service means. Our mission statement and objectives are dynamic, and we therefore develop educational programming in order to pose new questions regarding our service practice and develop new projects. Our pedagogical approach involves four programs: the Office of Service Learning Innovators, community roundtables, health and wellness, and a film series.
Innovator Program
In an effort to build and expand the influence of service learning throughout Eckerd, the Service Learning Innovator program aims to increase student involvement in social entrepreneurship, develop successful service leaders, and empower students in creating a community rooted in the values, challenges, and spirit of service leadership. The Service Learning Innovator Program allows students to draw upon the creative energies of the new century by developing sustainable solutions to social problems through an embodied praxis of innovation, adaptation, and education.
Tech Time: Eckerd students provide residents of Westminser Suncoast retirement community one-on-one guidance on technology as part of a Reflective Service Learning project.
Benefits of doing service
For Individuals
- Have fun!
- Make lifelong friendships
- Learn more about yourself
- Build valuable leadership skills
- Gain marketable “real life” experience
- Think about the important things in life
- Explore career/major options
- Get connected to the community
For Student Groups
- Learn team building skills
- Become more active
- Increase membership
- Enhance overall morale
- Find a new sense of purpose
- Gain public recognition
For Eckerd Classes
- Learn through hands-on work in a community service environment
- Make meaning of academic theory and retain more relevant information
- Learn about the complexities of social injustices and systematic problems
- Learn about the importance of civic responsibility and active citizenship
- Consider the role of faith in service
- Be more engaged in the course
