UMBC has a strong culture of civic engagement.  One of ways that you can get involved is through The Shriver Center's Service-Learning Program, in which students enroll in the zero-credit transcript notation for 096 Community Service & Learning. This involves consistent dedication of 3-5 hours each week to service a number of reflective activities (learning about service sites, goal-setting, weekly reflection questions, and evaluations). 

Some additional benefits for UMBC students engaged in service-learning:

• Have a higher GPA than others who do not participate in a similar experience (Penniston, 2011);
• Are 6.9% more likely to graduate with honors (Penniston, 2011);
• Enhance their self-confidence as a direct result of their experience (81% reported via their Student Evalutions, 2011); and
  
• Strengthen their leadership skills development (84% reported via their Student Evalutions, 2011).

Visit The Shriver Center's website to learn more about Service-Learning.  See the attached Fall 2012 Service-Learning Chart to view available service sites (on and off campus, some that have transportation provided).  To secure a placement, you can call The Shriver Center at (410) 455-2493 to set an appointment with a Service-Learning Staff Member.  You may also visit us at The Shriver Center's table at Involvement Fest on Wednesday, 9/5 from 12-3pm.