Faith-Based Service and Learning

What is Faith-Based Service and Learning?

The Office of Faith-Based Service and Learning at Judson College exists to facilitate the meaningful engagement of faculty and students with the people and needs of our Marion, Alabama, community and the world. In addition to coordinating service opportunities within the Division of Student Services, the FBSL office assists Judson faculty members in the planning and implementation of academic service learning projects that are integrated into course curricula. We believe that this process not only supports and enriches the traditional learning experiences of students, but it also inspires them to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ in seeking justice and showing concern for those in poverty. Through their involvement in service-learning, Judson students are learning to combine the knowledge they gain in the classroom, their gifts and talents, and their desires to make a difference to become effective agents of change in Perry County and beyond.

Why is FBSL important?

Poverty is a reality, and, for the Judson community, it hits close to home. Alabama is the 5th poorest state in the nation, and Perry County (where Judson College is located) is among the poorest counties in Alabama–with over 35% of its residents living below the poverty line.

Since its founding, Judson College has been driven by a deep commitment to educating and empowering its students to follow God’s call to love and serve their neighbors wherever they are. The Office of Faith-based Service and Learning was established in 2005 to provide students with a formal avenue for commitment and service to their community.

Each year, more than 80% of Judson’s students connect to their neighbors in deep and tangible ways as they volunteer with FBSL projects. For example, Judson students have mentored and tutored children and youth, distributed food and clothing, conducted health screenings, helped to build homes for their neighbors, and created a local nature preserve.

As a result of Judson’s commitment to making a lasting impact in our community and the world, it has been recognized as a national leader in service-learning and civic engagement. Judson has appeared on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll eight times and remains one of only four colleges and universities–and the only private institution in the state–to hold the prestigious Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Institute on the Advancement of Teaching. The college has received other recognitions from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the US Department of Education.

Contact

For more information about Faith-Based Service and Learning at Judson College, or to learn how you can get involved, please contact: