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Service Learning Institute

Connecting students with hands-on community experiences that build leadership skills, strengthen academic learning and create meaningful social impact.

Engage with Community. Build Experience. Create Change.

The Service Learning Institute at Cal State Monterey Bay connects students, faculty and community partners through hands-on learning rooted in civic engagement and social justice.

Every undergraduate student completes at least one service learning course as part of their degree. Students work with local organizations across Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, applying classroom knowledge while building leadership skills, professional experience and community connections.

Each year, nearly 3,000 students contribute more than 81,000 hours of service through partnerships with more than 700 organizations. Most students complete 25 to 30 hours of service with one organization under the guidance of a site supervisor.

“I was happy to be part of something bigger — contributing to a mission that fosters creativity and opportunity. Serving others isn’t just about giving. It’s about connection, shared growth and making a difference together.”

— Noishadha Chatterjee, 2025 Service Learning Award recipient, Computer Science

A group of AES students look at their professor taking a field mouse out of a bag.

Why Service Learning Matters

Service learning helps students connect their education to real community needs. By working with local organizations, students deepen their understanding of social issues, strengthen leadership and communication skills, and learn how to create meaningful change beyond the classroom.

Two students holding bags of produce from the produce truck.

How Service Learning Works

Service learning at Cal State Monterey Bay connects classroom learning with meaningful community engagement. Through partnerships with local organizations, students apply what they learn in real-world settings while building critical thinking, cultural awareness and leadership skills.

Reflection is a key part of the experience, helping students connect their service work to academic goals, personal growth and social impact.

 

Guided by Service, Learning and Justice

“The programs of the Service Learning Institute engage the content, practice and pedagogy of service learning to promote social transformation and create a more just world.”

— Dr. Seth Pollack, former SLI director

Service Learning in Action

  • Reciprocity
    Service learning creates meaningful benefits for both students and community partners through collaboration, shared learning and mutual respect.
  • Reflection
    Structured reflection helps students connect their service experiences to academic learning, personal growth and broader social issues. Reflection encourages critical thinking and deeper understanding throughout the service-learning experience.
  • Integration
    Service experiences are connected directly to course objectives, helping students apply classroom concepts in real-world settings while strengthening critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Diversity
    Students work with diverse communities and organizations throughout the region, building cultural awareness, challenging assumptions and developing skills for collaborative community engagement.

Building Community-Engaged Leaders

Service learning helps students become engaged community leaders who can work effectively across differences and contribute to more equitable communities. Students develop the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to understand community challenges and create meaningful social impact.

Lower-Division Service Learning

Students complete one lower-division General Education Area D course focused on civics and service learning. These courses help students build foundational civic knowledge, leadership skills and community engagement experience.

Students complete:

  • 25 hours of service with a local organization
  • Civic engagement and reflection activities
  • Community-based learning connected to course objectives

Upper-Division Service Learning

All students complete at least one upper-division service-learning course connected to their major.

These courses typically include:

  • 25 to 30 hours of service with a community organization
  • Field-based learning connected to academic and career interests
  • Reflection and discussion focused on social challenges and systemic inequities

More than 50 upper-division service-learning courses are offered each semester across academic departments. Students should consult their major pathway and academic advisor for specific requirements.

Service learning opportunities at Cal State Monterey Bay span a wide range of interests, industries and community needs. Students can explore experiences connected to education, environmental stewardship, public service, arts and culture, food access, youth development, advocacy and more while building professional skills and making a meaningful impact throughout the region.

Arts and Culture

Students collaborate with arts and cultural organizations that support creativity, public engagement and community storytelling throughout the region.

Partner organizations may include:

  • Palenke Arts
  • Sol Treasures
  • Monterey Museum of Art
  • Arts Council for Monterey County
Environment and Sustainability

Environmental partnerships connect students with projects focused on conservation, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Partner organizations may include:

  • Save Our Shores
  • Surfrider Foundation
  • MEarth
  • Big Sur Land Trust
  • Ecology Action
Education and Youth Services

Students support youth development, mentoring, tutoring and educational access through partnerships with schools and community organizations.

Partner organizations may include:

  • Digital NEST
  • Boys & Girls Clubs
  • YMCA and YWCA
  • Community Partnership for Youth
Food Access and OtterCare

Students work with organizations focused on food security, basic needs and community well-being.

Partner organizations may include:

  • Food Bank for Monterey County
  • Second Harvest Food Bank
  • Everyone’s Harvest
  • Thomas Carman Food Pantry
Government and Public Service

Students collaborate with local governments and public agencies on projects that strengthen communities and support civic engagement.

Partner organizations may include local cities, county agencies and public service organizations throughout the region.

K-12 Schools

School district and educational partnerships provide opportunities for students to support classrooms, after-school programs and youth learning experiences.

Partner districts include Monterey Peninsula, Alisal, Salinas Union, Pajaro Valley, Santa Cruz and other regional districts.

Social Services and Advocacy

Students work alongside organizations focused on advocacy, public health, housing support and culturally responsive community services.

Partner organizations may include:

  • United Way
  • Community Bridges
  • MILPA
  • Gathering for Women
  • Black Surf Santa Cruz
An instructor guiding a small group of students as they work on hands-on project.

Community Partners

Community partners play a vital role in service learning at Cal State Monterey Bay. Learn how local organizations collaborate with students, faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences while supporting community priorities throughout the tri-county region.

Students visiting a table at Otter Thursday.

Wellness and Self-Care in Service Learning

Discover wellness resources, self-care tools and support services that help students engage in meaningful community service while maintaining balance, resilience and personal well-being.

Service Learning and Leadership Opportunities

Student Leadership in Service Learning Program

Develop leadership skills, support your peers and create meaningful community impact through service learning, mentorship and hands-on engagement opportunities.

Become a Student Leader in Service Learning
A group of students gather around a table inside a brightly colored campus space, smiling toward the camera while holding papers and notebooks, with humanities and communication program posters and artwork visible behind them.
Green grass on the CSUMB Quad

Ready to Learn More?

The Service Learning Institute office is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Available Monday and Wednesday from 12 to 1 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Service Learning Institute

Tritia Moneypenny

Community Partnerships Coordinator