About Service Learning

Service learning is a form of experiential education that partners academic instruction with community service. Students learn through participation in thoughtfully organized service activities that are course-relevant and meet actual community needs.

Each year, more than 100 students at MiraCosta College participate in service learning as either an option or a requirement for classes. Students are placed in non-profit organizations and public schools where they provide a variety of support services. These partnerships allow students to apply course concepts in real-world settings while making valuable community contributions. Opportunities include and are not limited to youth programs, environmental conservation efforts, programs that address the unhoused, hunger, senior services, child development programs, social services organizations, museums and arts programs, after-school programs, and literacy programs as well as activities within K-12 grade public schools and non-profit organizations. 

What Students Gain

Through these community placements, students incorporate classroom knowledge to everyday situations and real problems.  We encourage students to mention their service learning experiences when applying for scholarships or completing transfer applications, professional portfolios, or resumes.

Students who participate in service enhance their civic awareness of the value and power of their voice. Students report that these experiences affirm their career paths, provide job opportunities, and increase their cultural and social capital. Students who are pursuing careers in education, public health/nutrition, the non-profit sector, social work, government, law, social justice, or any service-minded career should consider taking courses with instructors who offer service learning. Students may earn a certificate of participation in Service Learning when they complete 15 hours at one site for one course. 

Volunteer Program

Students who are not enrolled in service learning courses may participate in the Volunteer Program, a co-curricular opportunity for students to engage in their campus and local community through civic engagement.

Clubs and Associated Student Government are also great ways to earn volunteer hours. Students may earn certificates of volunteerism, also known as service awards. Both service learning and volunteer opportunities are outstanding ways to integrate cultural knowledge for career paths and learn about social issues, resources, and equitable practices. These experiences may be applied to the student's resume as well as transfer and scholarship applications.

Students may earn two certificates of participation: MiraCosta Volunteer Service Award (50-99 hours) or MiraCosta Presidential Service Award (100+ hours). For additional one-time volunteer opportunities, please visit the Service Learning webpage. 

Service Learning and Volunteer Program Benefits

• Apply course content through practical, real-world experiences
• Practice critical thinking and reflection for personal growth and development
• Expand cultural capital and appreciation for diverse perspectives
• Include these experiences to resume, transfer applications, and scholarships
• Deepen social capital and awareness of your community and its resources
• Explore and confirm career paths, and network with community professionals and field experts
• Experience ethical reasoning, civic engagement, democracy, and action

Contact Information

The Service Learning & Volunteer Center is located on the Oceanside Campus in the Student Services Building (Building 14), Room 14107. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. and Friday, 8 a. m. to 3 p. m. Evening appointments are available by request. 

For more information about Service Learning & Volunteer Center programs and services, students should visit the Service Learning webpage, email servicelearning@miracosta.edu, or call 760.795.6616. All calls and emails are returned within 24-to-48 hours.