Academic Service-Learning benefits all involved. Students receive course/program credit while serving communities.
The American Red Cross is partnering with colleges and universities through Academic Service-Learning (AS-L) programs that combine curriculum-based learning with students giving meaningful service to the community.
Colleges and universities partner with organizations like the Red Cross to foster an environment where students learn about themselves and their communities by taking action through service. While providing volunteer service in their communities, students improve their academic skills by applying what they learn in school to the real world.
AS-L is a common requirement in nursing and public health curricula; however, students of any discipline can engage in and benefit from AS-L. At the Red Cross, AS-L relationships are led by the Office of the Chief Nurse, but students from all disciplines are welcome. For instance, Human Resources students assist their local Red Cross chapter with organizing welcome/informational sessions for new volunteers. Marketing and Journalism students participate in volunteer recognition events and write articles for the chapter’s website. Education majors can participate in the Red Cross Pillowcase Project, leading preparedness education workshops in local elementary schools.
“Academic Service-Learning benefits all involved,” said Linda MacIntyre, chief nurse for the Red Cross. “Students receive course/program credit while serving communities. Academic institutions can offer continued meaningful opportunities for their students through partnering with the Red Cross. AS-L volunteers help the Red Cross achieve its mission. Most importantly, communities benefit from AS-L volunteer engagement.”
AS-L can be implemented in any region of the country, either in person or virtually. Faculty or the academic institution contacts the Red Cross to determine if Red Cross activities meet service or course requirements. While the Red Cross does not require an affiliation agreement, many academic institutions do.
If you are a faculty member or administrator of a college or university and are interested in partnering with the Red Cross to provide AS-L opportunities for your students, please email us at RedCrossNurse@redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
