The mission of the Service-Learning Center is to engage and equip Calvin University students, faculty, staff, community partners, alumni and other friends of the university in and for the pursuit of God's shalom. We do this by learning together, primarily through community-based service-learning, social justice activity, and civic participation in Grand Rapids and other partner communities.
- The Residence Hall Community Partnerships Program received the 2017 Best Practice Award from the Jon C. Dalton Institute on College Student Values! Read more here.
- Ride the Rapid for $0.50!: We have switched over to the electronic WAVE system for discount bus cards; cards are $5 each and come with $2 preloaded.
Get involved
Integrate your studies, gifts and passions with service through your classes, your residence hall or your own initiative. Become well acquainted with service-learning and how it applies to the needs and strengths of Calvin’s surrounding communities.
Service-learning opportunities
Current service-learning opportunities. Check out our database if you're searching for something in particular.
Enter service-learning hours
Scholarships
- The Service-Learning Center awards five scholarships annually, three based on student applications, and two based on staff nominations.
The Service-Learning Center helps connect Calvin University students with local organizations to assist in serving community needs while enhancing the learning experience of students.
Post an opportunity
Opportunities to serve with your organization can appear in our searchable online database or in our weekly email to students interested in service-learning
Community partner email list
Sign up for our community partner email list. We will use this mode of communication to notify partners of upcoming partnership opportunities and community events
Waiver & indemnification form
If you are hosting Calvin students we need this signed paperwork on file as an agreement regarding the partnership between your organization and the Service-Learning Center
You can participate in service-learning by modeling life-long service as a mentor in our various programs and integrating a service-learning experience into your class style.
Academically-based service-learning
Calvin's ABSL program seeks to connect theory and practice in the classroom
Scholarship nominations
Nominate a student that has exemplified a commitment to service in the community and a commitment to friendship within the university community
You may have left Calvin, but you will never stop serving and learning. The S-LC can be an ongoing resource for you in this life-long project and you can be a resource for us. Stay involved with the SL-C as an alumni partner
- Mentor a StreetFest group or organize your own day of service
- Host a Spring break trip at your agency or church
- Connect to the S-LC and other alumni on Facebook
- Service-learn in your own community
- Read about the 2015 spring break trip to Colorado, which included alumni participants
Quick Facts
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54k
total amount of service-learning hours logged by Calvin students in a year
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195+
total active agency partners
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223
international service-learning placements
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59
total number of faculty offering academically-based service-learning
Photos from our service-learning
Click for gallery
