Investigation: Having an inventory of interests, skills, talents and areas for personal growth, students are able to make choices based on their priorities and abilities and the designated need.

Preparation: Students design a service plan appropriate to the identified need, with clarification of roles and responsibilities, resource requirements, and timelines to successfully implement the plan. Any community partners are likely to be consulted. Students also acquire and develop the knowledge and skills needed for the experience.

Action: Students implement the plan through direct service, indirect service, advocacy, or research. Their service may be a combination of one or more of these types of service. Students may work individually, with partners, or in groups.

Reflection: Students examine their thoughts, feelings, and actions applied to the context of self, community and the world. Reflection often occurs with greater frequency as students identify significant moments generated by new situations and insights.

Demonstration: Students make explicit what and how they learned and what they have accomplished, for example, by sharing their service experience through their CAS portfolio or with others in an informal or formal manner. Through demonstration and communication, students solidify their understanding and evoke a response from others.