The inaugural “Guide to Service-Learning Colleges and Universities,” published by a division of Student Horizons in Bethesda, Md., will feature nearly 300 colleges and universities across the United States that integrate service learning within their curriculum. To date, Western is one of seven North Carolina schools to be featured in the book.

“We’ve had conversations with colleagues from institutions all over the United States, and Western Carolina was mentioned several times regarding its quality of service learning,” said Kelly Lightfoot, marketing and sales manager at Student Horizons.

A form of experiential education that integrates community service and classroom instruction, service learning enhances students’ academic development while fostering social and civic responsibility, said Glenn Bowen, director of service learning at Western.

Service learning is a component of more than 60 courses at Western. In addition to serving the surrounding community, students can travel to foreign countries on an “alternative spring break,” such as last year’s visit to Panama. Western also offers scholarships for students, workshops and fellowships for faculty, and an annual service-learning symposium attended by representatives of higher education institutions throughout the Southeast.

“We are delighted that WCU will be featured in what promises to be an impressive publication,” said Bowen. “It signals recognition of the significant strides being made by our faculty in integrating community service with coursework, our students’ academic and civic achievements, and our institution’s commitment to engagement with the communities of our region.”

For more information about service-learning opportunities at Western, contact Bowen at (828) 227-7184.