Service

The aim of the Service strand is for students to understand their capacity to make a meaningful contribution to their community and society. Through service, students develop and apply personal and social skills in real-life situations involving decision-making, problem-solving, initiative, responsibility, and accountability for their actions. Service is often seen as one of the most transforming elements of CAS by promoting students’ self-awareness, offering diverse occasions for interactions and experiences, and opportunities for international-mindedness.

Service within CAS benefits all involved: students learn as they identify and address authentic community needs, and the community benefits through reciprocal collaboration.

Here are the four types of service and examples of each:

Research Service

• Report on a topic of importance to influence policy or practice

• The research is legitimately needed by an organization.

• MISO methods are required (see Investigation form)

Advocacy

• Students speak on behalf of a cause or concern to promote action on an issue of public interest.

• It can take many forms - public performance, social media campaigns, etc.

Indirect Service

• ​Though students do not see the recipients of indirect service, they have verified that their actions will benefit the community or environment.

Direct Service

• Student interaction involves people, the environment, or animals.

• You directly see those who benefit

• Work alongside and forge a partnership with a local NGO or community group and work on a project together