Service Learning

At Widener, service learning is the foundation of the Widener educational experience.

On one hand, service learning is a motivating concept that we use to connect our communities to our classrooms. On the other hand, service learning is one of the most important ways students develop a social conscience that connects their hearts with their minds when they come into Widener’s living and learning community in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Widener’s service learning courses, as taught by our faculty, provide innovative opportunities to be of service to individuals, public schools, public service agencies, and nonprofit organizations within our partnership network.

Service learning courses are offered every semester. A sample of past service learning courses include:

• PSY 105: Introduction to Psychology
  Students serve as peer-tutor/mentors for pre-K through 8 children in Chester-Upland school district.
• ENVR 180: Sustainable Development
  Service Learning in Tropical America Studying butterflies in Costa Rica is the focus for students learning about the principles of sustainability.
• FRS 101 College, Service, and Community
  Organizing a Bicycle Drive In partnership with CityTeam Ministries in Chester, students develop and carry out a fund-raising campaign to buy bicycles for children.
• HIST 388 African-Americans in New Orleans
  Students research and report on African, Caribbean, and African-American influences and intersections, culminating with a trip to New Orleans to historical and cultural sites is included.
• PSY 288 Stress Management For Health And Wellness
  Taught inside the Chester State Correctional Institution (part of Temple’s Inside-Out Prison Exchange), students study stress, stressors, and study the relevant research in stress management.

Through service learning, our students are prepared to lead and establish new rules of engagement in Chester, the region, and around the world.