Community-Based Learning Courses
Community-based learning (or “service learning”) courses include a public service component, so students can apply their academic knowledge and skills to engage with and learn from the community. Instructors work with community partners to create meaningful projects relating to the environment, public health, science education, wildlife conservation, and other issues. Community-based learning courses provide opportunities to collaborate on these existing service projects. International internships and academic programs can also have a public service component.
- Want to see which community-based learning courses are available each semester? In Course Search & Enroll, under Course Attributes, check the box that reads “Community based learning – 25 hours or more.”
- In INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM, you could inspired someone to be a scientist! Students learn how to teach science to kids, then practice by leading an after-school science club.
- The Morgridge Center has information about community-based learning courses across campus. There are opportunities in conservation, science education, and other fields.
- Although some courses that offer community-based learning are listed officially as such, many are not. For example, INTEGSCI 140: Exploring Service in STEM has opportunities for community engagement, and students in the second semester of Introductory Biology 151/152 may choose a community-based research project to fulfill their independent project requirement.
- The Global Health Institute offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Global Health involving field work.
- For international opportunities, check out Study Abroad, the International Internship Program, and CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) Study Abroad.
Volunteer Opportunities
You can gain valuable personal and professional experience through volunteering—while giving back to your community! Whether volunteering on your own, with a student organization, or with friends, there are opportunities in nearly every field, either locally or by traveling for a project during a semester break. The best source of volunteer information is the Morgridge Center’s list of Volunteer Resources and Opportunities. You can also meet with a peer advisor who can help you find the right opportunity for you.
- VolunteerYourTime.org is a searchable database featuring hundreds of local non-profit agencies and their current volunteer opportunities.
- The Badger Volunteers Program is a semester-long volunteer program at the Morgridge Center that provides training and support, along with established volunteer opportunities in a variety of fields.
- Science Outreach on Campus is a consortium of UW–Madison community outreach programs in the sciences that need volunteers.
- The Global Health Institute has volunteer field opportunities.
- The Center for Leadership and Involvement has an involvement opportunities page with many excellent links.
- For clinical volunteer opportunities, visit the Center for Pre-Health Advising’s volunteering page.
Alternative Breaks
If you don’t have time to volunteer during the semester, or if you want to go farther afield, you can travel, serve and change lives (including yours) on an Alternative Break. The Alternative Breaks program, which is part of the Wisconsin Union directorate, provides an opportunity to participate in volunteer and educational trips to culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged communities throughout the United States. Some trips include health and environmental projects, including conservation work on national lands and youth outreach on Native American reservations.
Some Specific Opportunities in the Sciences
- Biocore Outreach Ambassadors (available only to students in the Biocore honors program)
- Insect Ambassadors
- Lakeshore Nature Preserve
- UW Arboretum Volunteers
- Expanding Your Horizons, a program for girls, female-identifying or non-binary youth in Middle School interested in science, engineering, and math
- Search the Wisconsin Involvement Network to explore the many STEM-related student organizations on campus.
Community-Based Learning at WISCIENCE
Learn more about community-based learning courses offered by WISCIENCE.