University of St. Thomas

The aim of education is the knowledge,
not of facts, but of values.

-- William Ralph Inge

Service-learning incorporates meaningful community partnerships into coursework, allowing the students to contribute to the community while gaining knowledge relevant to their academic and professional lives.

St. Thomas partners with many communities of the greater Twin Cities area. Through the service-learning program, students have been able to share a classroom with recent immigrants to the United States, film a documentary in Kenya, increase new entrepreneurs' computer skills and provide meals and support to people affected by HIV/AIDS . Please check out the programs we are currently offering.

Service-Learning provides

• students with
  • The occasion for personal empowerment
  • Situations to improve observation and research skills
  • More interaction between students, the professor, and applications of learning
  • A context for experience to change attitudes
  • An opportunity to understand and live out the mission of the university
• faculty with
  • Real-life situations to extend learning beyond the classroom
  • Contexts and situations to enhance classroom discussions
  • Occasions for curriculum review
  • Opportunities for research
  • Grant opportunities for the department and university
• the community with
  • A pool of talented workers
  • A network for sustained community advocacy
  • Increased organization capacity