Service-Learning

Home > About UH Hilo > Co-Curricular Activities > Service-Learning

Talaite Petrowski
Asst. Director, Campus Center
Service Learning and Student Service Corps
Campus Center, Room 316
(808) 933-1907

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo supports a continuum of service opportunities, including the Student Service Corps, leadership development and civic engagement.

Opportunities to serve the campus and community are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of our student body. They benefit from a wide range of activities and services that address campus, community and civic concerns. Continuum of service opportunities include:

• New Student Orientation service projects
• One-time service events (Make A Difference Day, Good Neighbor Day, World AIDS Day, America Reads, Beach Clean Ups, and Earth Day)
• Ongoing co-curricular service (e.g. Student Service Corps, where students serve, educate, and advocate concerning hunger and homelessness, environmental sustainability, and fair trade)
• Academic service-learning (students earn academic credit by performing community service that is integrated into their course curriculum)
• Careers for the Common Good (students explore service careers and life-long service opportunities)

The Service-Learning Office also sponsors a drugs and alcohol- free alternative Spring Break program called “Break Thru Adventures” (BTA). Students organize environmental service projects throughout the islands. Through BTA, students make new friends, protect the environment, and gain a deeper appreciation for the Hawaiian culture

Through the variety of service opportunities, students experience an enhanced learning environment that allows them to connect in-class theory with in-community practice. They become more aware of community resources and needs, as well as their civic duty to address the welfare of others as an engaged citizen. By participating in the continuum of service, UH Hilo students, staff, and faculty build meaningful and enduring community partnerships.