Service-Learning in Design, Creating Meaningful Community-Engagement in the Studio

VCUarts Middle of Broad Studio (mOb) represents a model of meaningful Service-learning for undergraduate design students. Service-learning at VCU is defined as “a credit-bearing experience in which students participate in an organized service activity that meets community-identified needs. Service-learning courses require completion of 20 hours of volunteer service in addition to course assignments.” Students in mOb complete 55-70 hours of service or more each semester. This direct experience professionally managing, communicating, and creating design projects moves students into active learning. Data from VCUarts’ participation in the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) shows that the most important tool students need to be successful in art and design careers is skill-based applied experience beyond course work