Abstract

Students not only bring physical resources into the classroom – their notebooks, pens, and smartphones, they also bring intangible resources into the classroom – their experiences, knowledge and skills. This service learning project employs a conceptual framework for experiential learning which focuses on authenticity, active learning, student experience, and future opportunity. First year community college students in an introductory business office applications course collaborated with community partners to explore a wide array of issues related to food security. The students planned and organized a food drive for a local food bank, analyzed the donations received and created interesting ways to share their results with the community. Authenticity seeks to highlight the relevance of the learning to each student’s circumstance. Active learning promotes students embracing and taking responsibility for their learning. Student experience recognizes and values the student’s meaningful participation in the learning process. Future opportunity helps students to capitalize on their investment in learning.