Service-Learning (SL)
Service-Learning Website; Student Showcase: Spring 2023; Fall 2023
Embedded Files
Orientation
Service Learning will help you gain real-world experience that transfer universities and employers value while meeting your course objectives and making a difference in the community!
To get started and learn more about what service-learning is, ACC requires students in service-learning classes to take our Service-Learning Student Orientation. This orientation describes service-learning and tells you generally what to expect, and it will require you to fill out our ACC Service-Learning Student Agreement Form. The orientation will only take around 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Submit proof that you completed orientation when you submit Journal One by taking screenshots of the completed quiz and agreement form and attaching those screenshots to Journal One.
Finding Volunteer Opportunities
*Click here for Fall 2025 Service-Learning Opportunities*
This semester, we will focus on food insecurity and civic engagement.
Food insecurity and Sustainability (click the links for on- and off-campus farm/gardening options, as well as food bank and food forest/foraging options)
Civic Engagement (Red Bench, Braver Angels, Civic Simulations, etc.)
Become a VDR (Volunteer Deputy Registrar)
To become a VDR, you must be at least 18, a US citizen, and a Texas resident. In order to receive service-learning credit for these VDR trainings, you will need to become a certified VDR and register voters for at least one event before Spring Break. You will take a short test and then complete an exam.
TO BECOME A VDR IN TRAVIS COUNTY
From this website (https://tax-office.traviscountytx.gov/voters/volunteer-deputy-registrars) register for an online class.
Try this link here if you have issues connecting to the exam.
TO BECOME A VDR IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY
1. From this website (https://www.wilcotx.gov/448/Volunteer-Deputy-Registrar) choose either a live class (online) or a self-paced class.
2. If you are already certified Travis county, follow these instructions for reciprocal certification: https://www.wilcotx.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=414
Once you become a certified VDR, click here to register voters at Austin area events, concerts, and festivals!
Finding Other Approved Volunteer Opportunities
Please visit the ACC Volunteer Hub and the ACC GivePulse page to find updated information on available opportunities with internal and external partners.
Virtual and Remote Volunteer Opportunities
Ecological Restoration and Trash Clean-Ups (Student-Led)
ACC Free Grocery Pick-Ups
Various dates and campuses: Click here for schedule. Help distribute food on ACC campuses with the Central Texas Food Bank and other area partners.Visit the Food Support website for more information.
ACC Volunteer Friday at the Elgin Farm
Every Friday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm -- Join the ACC Agricultural Sciences every Friday for a chance to get involved with the Student Farm! The farm gate will be open from 9:00 am -12:00 pm for any interested individuals to stop by, tour the farm, and get their hands dirty with a variety of volunteer tasks. The only requirements to join each week is a valid ACC ID, proper sun protection, water, and a mindset of respect and safety at all times. Questions? Contact Matthew Olson, Sustainable Student Farm Manager (matthew.olson@austincc.edu).
Braver Angels Workshops and eCourses (Fully Asychronous)
“Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide for the good of our democratic republic. The American Hope campaign is equipping Americans across the political spectrum to work together and demand the same of politicians from both parties.” Click here to learn more about their various workshops and training opportunities. After researching the options, please review their Online Event Calendar. You may add filters on the left navigation menu based on the workshop or course you would like to find. They have evening Zoom workshops as well as online courses.
Zooniverse is another fully online asynchronous option--you find research to help with online, and there are all kinds of choices.
Tracking Volunteer Hours: To make it easier to track and submit hours, go here: HOW TO REPORT VOLUNTEER HOURS
Please contact Linda Cox at lcox@austincc.edu if you need more guidance in finding a service learning activity that works for you.
Please note: When you volunteer for organizations that are external to ACC, please email me for permission and then document everything or have the program director email me at bvillarr@austincc.edu to obtain credit for your service. If you serve six or or more hours, you will need to provide proof when you submit Journal Three (for exemption).
Service-Learning Student Showcase
All service-learning students are invited to participate in the showcase! Students will connect with one another and the ACC community, gain career skills in a friendly environment, and allow us to celebrate your work on your service-learning project. Participants will also receive cool swag and a digital participation badge that can be added to your LinkedIn profile. Stay tuned for updates on our Showcase Website!
Keep up-to-date on our Service-Learning opportunities and events on our Service-Learning Website.
Click here to view showcase examples from the past few years! There is a template for the tri-fold on the website; here's the direct link. Linda Cox can help you print in 11 x 17 size (which is smallish, but it's full color and free). Here is one student's outline in the discussion board: Mock Up Poster-1.pdf. Below is the student's Take One in the Discussion Board:
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