Service Learning Opportunities

Experiential learning to enhance students’ understanding of course content

NVFS offers service learning for undergraduate college students seeking an experiential learning component to enhance their understanding of course content. Placements are one semester and experiential requirements are often loosely defined with the main purpose being to learn by doing. Hours requirements typically range from 20-200 hours per semester. Service learning placements are available fall, spring and summer.

Requirements

All applicants must be students in good academic standing, have some previous field experience, and have a strong interest in engaging with low-income and culturally diverse youth and adult populations. Some positions require Spanish fluency.

Supervision

Service learners are supervised by staff in the programs in which they serve. While there are no formal weekly supervision meetings, supervising staff provide ongoing support and feedback and schedule periodic formal meetings if necessary.

Apply

Applicants must submit:

• NVFS Volunteer Application Form
• Resume/curriculum vitae
• Three references (at least one must be from an academic advisor or instructor).

Applications should be submitted to one of our Community & Volunteer Engagement Specialists:

• Navara Cannon, ncannon@nvfs.org (positions in Prince William County and SERVE campus)
• Karen Horowitz, khorowitz@nvfs.org (positions in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun counties)
• Julie Martinez, jrmartinez@nvfs.org (positions at SERVE Family Shelter)

Application Process

1. Applications are reviewed by the Community & Volunteer Engagement Specialist, who schedules a phone or in-person screening interview.
2. Specialist then refers qualified applicants to the appropriate supervising staff member who reviews applications and may contact the applicant to schedule an in-person interview.
3. Specialist and staff supervisor make final selections and contact applicants to offer placement or notifying them if they haven’t been selected.