Service-Learning Academy, UNO

Since 1998, the Service-Learning Academy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha has provided support to faculty who design and implement service-learning courses, including individual consultation on course development, a library of related materials and workshops for faculty. Service learning is a form of experiential education that involves students in community service activities in addition to class time.

More than 125 UNO faculty members have taught over 530 courses with service-learning components. The benefits are not, however, felt only within the institution. Service learning addresses the outreach mission of UNO as a metropolitan institution. More than 200 community organizations - from the Fontenelle Nature Association to Heartland Refugee Resettlement - have benefited from the efforts of UNO service-learning students. Projects include the annual “7 Days of Service” alternative spring break, through which students have renovated 10 homes in North and South Omaha and raised over $175,000 for Family Housing Advisory Services.

The academy has received numerous community awards, including the Girls Incorporated of Omaha's Angel Award and the United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Resource Center Outstanding Volunteer Award.

I am pleased to present a KUDOS award to UNO’s Service Learning Academy, represented today by director Paul Sather and assistant director Kathy Oleson. Congratulations.