Summer Service Learning Program

The Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP) began in 1980 with the following goals:

1. To allow Notre Dame students to enter into service relationships with organizations chosen by Notre Dame Alumni Clubs across the United States.
2. To create an opportunity for discussion of social concerns and the Catholic social tradition between students, alumni/ alumnae, and community partners.
3. To engage students in the integration of service experience with academic readings, reflections, and writing.

The SSLP is an 8-week experience within a 3-credit Theology course (S/U). The Center invites Notre Dame Alumni Clubs to sponsor a student(s) to work in an agency or parish in the local community of the Club. The Center recruits Notre Dame students who are interested in expanding their education by working with and learning from persons who are marginalized in society. In 2009, 118 Notre Dame Alumni Clubs sponsored 237 Notre Dame students in sites across the country.

This course consists of orientation in April, reading and writing during the eight weeks and a follow-up requirement in the fall. This course does not fulfill the University’s required theology courses, but it does count as an elective. The Notre Dame Alumni Clubs, the James F. Andrews Scholarship Fund, and other special scholarship funds provide a $2300 Social Concerns Scholarship to students at the completion of this eight week summer experience and the academic requirements. Room and board are provided by the Clubs or by the site. The AmeriCorps Educational Award of $1000 is also available to SSLP students at some sites.  

View the Summer Service Learning Video!

View the Legacy of James F. Andrews Video.

View the 2009 Andrews Annual SSLP Booklet.

The SSLP application and 2010 Site Directory will go live on November 16, 2009.
The application, interview and placement process is conducted on a rolling basis.
The application deadline is March 1, 2010.

Students

• SSLP Application, Interview, and Placement Process (Word)

• Health Care Site Application and Selection Process (Word)
• SSLP Application
• SSLP Site Directory  Note: Updated information is still being received from sites and will be posted as it is received.
  • Site Directory by Geographical Location – listed by state
  • Site Directory by Category of Population Served
  • Sites Listed by Categories
  • Sites Listed by Language Requirement
  • Sites Listed by Drivers Licence Requirement
  • Sites Listed by Vehicle Requirement
  • Sites that have been filled (Excel)
• SSLP Frequently Asked Questions (Word)

• Americorps Grant Information (Word)

• Directed Reading Guidelines (PDF)
• How to Count 8 Weeks of Service on a Calendar (PDF)

• Checklist of responsibilities (Word)

• Registration Information (Word)

• Syllabus (Word)

• Method of Reflection (Word)

• Final Paper Guidelines: Analytical Essay and Theological Reflection Essay

Site Supervisors

• Guide for Site Supervisors and Alumni Clubs *(PDF)
• 2009 Site Supervisor Evaluation

Alumni Clubs

• Guide for Site Supervisors and Alumni Clubs *(PDF)

• Choosing an SSLP site

• Arranging Housing for SSLP students

• Transportation Arrangements to and from the SSLP site

• Funding Ideas for the SSLP Scholarship

• Alumni Clubs' Relationship with SSLP students

• Host Family Guidelines

• When the Unexpected Happens

• 2009 Alumni Club Evaluation

* PDF forms require the use of Adobe Reader available for download at www.adobe.com.

Please contact Andrea Smith Shappell with any questions.

ND Today, February 2009   Notre Dame Traditions—Service Projects