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Vol. 15 No. 3: 2010 National Outreach Scholarship Conference: Sustaining Authentic Engagement

The Impact of a Service-Learning Project on Student Awareness of Homelessness, Civic Attitudes, and Stereotypes Toward the Homeless

Submitted
September 21, 2011
Published
2011-09-21

Abstract

In 2008, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC
Charlotte) joined in a community initiative with the Urban
Ministry Center to provide shelter to the homeless during the
winter months. A student organization was formed to sustain
university support. The author created a service-learning project
as part of a Citizenship and Service Practicum course. Three
semesters of end-of-course student evaluations indicate that the
service-learning experience had an impact on the students in
three ways. It raised awareness of homelessness; helped dispel
negative stereotypes and foster more positive attitudes; and promoted
positive civic attitudes and desire to “make a difference.”