Service-Learning Initiative
Program Overview
Mission Statement: The purpose of the Service-Learning Initiative (SLI) is to support first-year students in their exploration of service options within the community and to inspire them to broaden and create their own pathways for community involvement at UNC and beyond.
The Service-Learning Initiative is a unique program that provides incoming first-year students with an immersive introduction to the array of service opportunities in the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham areas. Over three days, participants are exposed to the importance of reflection, learn how to work with community partners, form lasting connections and friendships with other passionately involved students, and become aware of important social justice issues.
What to Expect
The 2009 Service-Learning Initiative will take place on August 19-21. Over the course of these days, students will volunteer with different community partners. The program includes social activities, reflection sessions, all meals, and an SLI t-shirt.
Itinerary
Wednesday
- Move into residence halls
- SLI check-in and introduction
- Dinner
- Social activities
Thursday
- Breakfast
- Visit first community partner
- Lunch
- Visit second community partner
- Free time
- Dinner
- Film screening
- Reflection session
Friday
- Breakfast
- Visit third community partner
- Lunch
- Reflection session
- Wrap-up and surprise!
Reflection
The program will incorporate two reflection sessions – one after the first day of service work and the second at the end of the program. Reflection sessions will introduce students to service-learning and encourage them to think critically about the service in which they are participating. This year, reflections will focus specifically on educational discrepancies in Orange County.
Potential Sites
Potential Sites for 2009 include: The ArtsCenter, Battle Park and Coker Arboretum, Boys and Girls Club, Central Elementary, El Futuro, Family Violence Prevention Center, HOPE (Homelessness Outreach Poverty Eradication) Garden, The Arc of Orange County, and St. Joseph’s AME Bread Ministry.
Eligibility Requirements of Participant
- Incoming first-year student
- Out-of-state students attend a CTOPS session prior to the program
- Move into the dorms on the morning of August 19
- Complete and submit the APPLES Service-Learning Initiative application
- Once accepted, pay a $60.00 program fee
- Have tons of fun!
Application are no longer being accepted for the 2009 program.
To obtain contact information for the current SLI Chair, please refer to the APPLES' Organizers directory.
