Why Partner with Western?

The mission of Western University is to provide the best student experience at a research-intensive university. This is highlighted by Western’s growing commitment to our Community Service Learning programs.

We recognize the important role Western plays in the larger London community, but also the support and services the London community can provide to our students when we develop strong partnerships. Partnership offers Western the opportunity to contribute to the greater London community, have community partners share in the teaching process and expand the learning environment for students.

Here are some ways Community Partners can benefit from Community Service Learning partnerships with Western:

  • Increased capacity by having students provide daily office support or work on long-term projects that meet defined needs within the organization.
  • New perspectives as students bring fresh insight and creativity by making connections between their academics and how to apply that knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Increased awareness of your organization as students become familiar with your mission and share the work they are doing to peers and professors in the Western community.
  • Knowledge Exchange as we encourage you to actively engage and participate in the student learning process - becoming an integral part of the educational experience of Western students.
Goals of Community Service Learning

The first goal of any Community Service Learning placement is to be of service to the community organization and the individuals they serve. Therefore, CSL @ Western has an interest in engaging in partnerships that will help meet community-identified needs. The second goal is to provide students with an experiential education opportunity that links academic content to community-based service experiences. Finally, we want students to have an opportunity to reflect on what it means serve. By engaging students in dialogue about social justice, and creating opportunities for critical thinking and social issues, we help them to process their CSL experience and become active citizens in the future.

When community partners offer to host CSL students, we want it to be a mutually beneficial relationship. What are the specific ways we can help your organization move forward and meet its goals and objectives? In what ways can we support the important work you are doing for your clients? We want our partnerships with the community to be collaborative from the very beginning and that means we want you to tell us how our students can be of service to you!

Could your organization benefit from hosting Community Service Learning students?

Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.