The Experience-Where Service and Learning Meet

Valdosta State University (VSU) is committed to developing proactive and campus-wide initiatives to integrate civic learning and democratic engagement opportunities for our students. We believe that a strong focus on CLDE efforts revolve around workforce and citizenship development. At VSU, there are many opportunities for service learning and civic engagement projects. However, none of them are designed to focus on connecting career and commitment to the democratic engagement and civic learning.

The Experience was created by the offices of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services departments in The Division of Student Affairs.  The purpose of the program was to maximize efforts to engage the student body and university community in civic learning and democratic engagement. Through this effort, over 75 local civic organizations providing volunteer opportunities, and local employers providing part-time and seasonal employment where contacted to participate in this event. Some of these organizations included American Red Cross of South Georgia, Humane Society of Valdosta County, Lowndes County Solicitor General, Valdosta Habitat for Humanity, The Haven Sexual Assault Center, as well as other for profit organizations. These organizations agreed to share with the student body opportunities to serve and work during the spring and summer semesters. These partnerships assisted the students in finding opportunities that will impact their student development, work place preparation, and address the need for civic and democratic awareness.

Those that participated had a unique opportunity to discover how their career chooses could be linked to civic engagement opportunities. Simultaneously some students developed a greater appreciation for their commitment to participating in local and national democratic processes. Creating opportunities to embed civic and democratic engagement in the career selection process is and will be key to developing well rounded citizens.