“Service-learning is a method under which students or participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of a community; is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or community service program, and with the community; and helps foster civic responsibility; and that is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the educational components of the community service program in which the participants are enrolled; and provides structured time for the students or participants to reflect on the service experience.” — The National and Community Service Act of 1990
 
Key components of service-learning according to wikipedia.org are:

• Curricular connections – Integrating learning into a service project is key to successful service-learning. Academic ties should be clear and build upon existing disciplinary skills.

• Student voice – Beyond being actively engaged in the project itself, students have the opportunity to select, design, implement, and evaluate their service activity, encouraging relevancy and sustained interest. In community settings, this is alternatively called youth voice.

• Reflection – Structured opportunities are created to think, talk, and write about the service experience. The balance of reflection and action allows a student to be constantly aware of the impact of their work.

• Community partnerships- Partnerships with community agencies are used to identify genuine needs, provide mentorship, and contribute assets towards completing a project. In a successful partnership, both sides will give to and benefit from the project. In order for this partnership to be successful, clear guides must be implemented as to how often a student engages in service to a particular community agency.

• Authentic community needs – Local community members or service recipients are involved in determining the significance and depth of the service activities involved.

• Assessment – Well structured assessment instruments with constructive feedback through reflection provide valuable information regarding the positive ‘reciprocal learning’ and serving outcomes for sustainability and replication.

Joel’s Place AmeriCorps Members will have an opportunity weekly to reflect, talk and write about their Summer of Service experience.