The Saints & Scholars, Inc. Learning Model

Through the Saints & Scholars, Inc. learning model, every project follows a purposeful developmental arc:

Understand → Analyze → Act → Collaborate → Reflect → Become

This sequence is designed to move our students or “ambassadors” beyond participation into transformation. Rather than simply completing service hours, participants actively build self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and real-world confidence.

Students begin by understanding themselves and the communities they serve. They then analyze root causes and perspectives, take meaningful action, collaborate with others, and reflect on their growth through a guided and creative experience. Over time, this process shapes who they are becoming—not just what they have done.

For students completing a 30-hour service project, the experience begins with guided preparation, including virtual sessions and skill-building activities. These early lessons count toward service hours and ensure that students enter community engagement prepared, thoughtful, and respectful.

Service Project Fees:

Saints & Scholars, Inc. offers programming at a rate of $10 per Community Service Learning (CSL) hour. Need-based financial scholarships are also available.

  • 15-hour CSL project (includes curriculum and certificate of completion): $150

  • 30-hour CSL project (includes curriculum and certificate of completion): $300

Fees for Young Adult Immersion Programs are determined on a project-by-project basis, depending on the scope, duration, and structure of each experience. Detailed information and pricing for individual programs will be provided as new opportunities become available.

Sample Curriculum

First Two Lessons: Content & Learning Objectives

Lesson 1: Understanding Self & the Issue

Focus: Identity + Awareness

Students begin by exploring who they are and how their perspectives shape the way they engage with others—while also starting to connect these insights to future academic and career pathways.

Key Learning Areas:

  • Reflect on personal identity, values, and lived experiences

  • Build awareness of bias, perspective, and assumptions

  • Learn about the community or population they will engage with

  • Explore who is impacted by the issue and why

  • Begin identifying personal interests and strengths that relate to potential fields of study or career paths

Service in Action (Skill & Career Development Focus)

Students begin developing foundational professional and interpersonal skills that directly translate to academic and career settings.

Saints & Scholars Ambassadors will:

  • Identify one personal growth goal (e.g., public speaking, professionalism, empathy, active listening, leadership presence) and connect it to real-world applications

  • Practice communication skills through guided preparation tasks, such as:

    • Drafting a professional introduction (as used in networking or interviews)

    • Creating thoughtful conversation starters

    • Learning how to ask respectful, open-ended questions

Students will also write a short Intention Statement:
How will I show up when working with this community, and what skills do I want to strengthen?

Reflection

  • What is one specific way I want to grow through this experience?

  • How might this work challenge or stretch me?

  • How do my strengths and interests begin to connect to future goals?

Outcome
Students begin their project with a clear sense of purpose, increased self-awareness, and an early understanding of how personal strengths and communication skills connect to future academic and professional pathways.

Lesson 2: Understanding the Community

Focus: Culture + Lived Experience

Students shift their focus outward, developing a deeper understanding of the communities they engage with—while gaining insight into real-world contexts relevant to careers in fields such as public service, healthcare, education, and the arts.

Key Learning Areas:

  • Explore cultural, historical, and social context

  • Examine multiple perspectives and lived experiences

  • Understand the importance of humility and respect in service work

  • Recognize how different professions engage with and support communities

Service in Action (Real or Simulated Engagement)
Students participate in structured interactions designed to build confidence and real-world communication skills.

This may include:

  • Live engagement: conversations, interviews, or meetings with community partners

  • Simulated experiences: guided role-plays based on real-life scenarios

Students are encouraged to listen and learn, gaining insight into both the community and the roles professionals play in supporting it.

Skill & Career Development Focus

  • Active listening

  • Professional and respectful communication

  • Emotional intelligence and adaptability

  • Confidence in interpersonal interactions

These are essential competencies across fields and are reinforced through real or simulated engagement.

Reflection

  • What did I notice about how I listened or responded?

  • What felt natural? What felt challenging?

  • How did this experience deepen my understanding of the community—and the work of those who serve it?

Outcome
Students build confidence in real interpersonal settings while gaining practical insight into how communication, empathy, and adaptability are applied in both community-based work and a wide range of professional environments.