Service-learning is woven into the student experience at Chaminade University.
The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse defines service-learning as a “teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.”
Each year, the Service-Learning Day celebration showcases the meaningful work of students and community organizations during the past year. The event serves as an opportunity for students and community partners to present their projects to the Chaminade community.
Students, faculty and staff came together at the Clarence T.C. Ching Conference Center on March 9 for Service-Learning Day. As they made their way through the various booths and displays, they were able to ask questions and learn more about the exciting work that took place island-wide.
About 480 service-learning engagements take place throughout the community each semester. There are 45 community partners on average that work with Chaminade students each year, and more than 20 instructors typically offer courses with a service-learning component each semester.
Service-learning is one of the University’s commitments to students. It extends beyond the classroom to the community and encourages students to look beyond themselves to engage in public service. Chaminade strives to facilitate these experiences to strengthen the community – and build the whole student.
Chaminade has been the recipient of many service-learning awards throughout the years, including the recent Western Region Engaged Campus award in 2017. The award is given to institutions that focus on service through student learning, mission-centered engagement and meaningful partnerships.
TAKING STOCK IN KEIKI
At this year’s celebration, Palolo Elementary School students were honored as state winners in The Stock Market Game™ (SMG). Chaminade President Lynn Babington presented medals and a winner’s banner to the Palolo students.
Chaminade business students serve as mentors to the younger students in this service-learning project. Since 2010, the partnership has served as a way for the students to learn about the stock market and have fun with numbers.
The Palolo fourth and fifth graders participated in the after-school activity to learn concepts including beta numbers and capital gains while building relationships with the Chaminade students.
The SMG has engaged more than 17 million students since 1977. Students start with $100,000 virtual dollars in this online educational activity. The game simulates current global markets to teach students skills related to economics, investing and personal financing. It also prepares them to live financially independent lives and models concepts related to integrity and leadership.
“Seeing and listening to students share their experiences with service-learning reinforces that we are preparing our students to meet the needs of the community while enhancing their educational experience,” Director of Service Learning Candice Sakuda, said. “I am especially proud of the mentorship and leadership of our business students, who were instrumental in guiding students through the Palolo Stock Market Game and earning their victory.”
