Higher-Education Community Service on the Rise

On May 3, 2004, Campus Compact released the results of its annual survey of colleges and universities. Member institutions not only reported record participation in community service but also an increase in structural and financial support for initiatives to improve communities and to make civic learning part of academic life.

"Campuses across the country are taking unprecedented steps to be active contributors to American democracy," says Campus Compact Executive Director Elizabeth Hollander. "These statistics show that community service is vital to the college experience, and that colleges are increasingly fulfilling their public purposes, to serve communities and educate citizens."

Students nationwide are working with their campuses to address pressing community issues, including improving kindergarten through 12-grade schools, creating healthier communities, and protecting the environment. Moreover, the study shows that students are not alone in their service to communities; a record numbers of college presidents are also involved in civic initiatives, both on and off campus.

Highlights of 2003 Survey

• Across member campuses, an average of 36 percent of students participate in service activities, a record high level of engagement.
• Partnership activity has risen dramatically. For example, 93 percent of member campuses report having partnerships with kindergarten through 12th-grade schools, up from 88 percent in 2002.
• Service-learning is also on the rise. An average of 24 faculty members per institution teach service-learning courses, compared with 22 the previous year. Member campuses offer an average of 37 service-learning courses, up from 30 in 2002.