The Value of Altruism through Service Learning

Service learning is neither one sided nor is it charity. Although many underserved groups will significantly benefit from the work and support provided, gap year participants delivering such services would gain a deep sense of altruism and global citizenship skills necessary for the 21st century including critical thinking and problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, reflection, collaboration, technology and cross-cultural communication skills.

Students who have an interest in professions such as teaching, counseling, human services, social work, expressive/art therapies, human rights/activism, humanities, education program management, the arts and/or providing services such as literacy and vocational opportunities would especially benefit from taking part in Saints & Scholars. 

Arts-based service learning and other creative ways of delivering services are engaging for all involved. Although not all of our programs involve the arts (e.g.; kitchen work, activism, gardening projects, etc.), delivering services in a hands-on way is what we are all about.

Altruism is is a practice that allows us receive the benefits of working in the service of others. It is a core principle of how people grow and expand; developing greater empathy and a sense of interconnectedness with the world around us. We learn to be an upstander not just a bystander. We learn to be more involved and to engage those around us. We learn to feel confident and capable in creating positive change - not only for others but for yourself as well.

You will have the opportunity to share in these experiences with others and to meet so many new people through these shared work experiences.