NWTC Service-Learning and Civic Engagement 2018-2019 | Page 2

WELCOME LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT It is my pleasure to share Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s 2018-2019 service- learning annual report. This publication highlights just some of NWTC’s unique service-learning projects and community engagement initiatives across our campuses, learning centers, and district. For more than a decade, service-learning has transformed our student experience, surrounding communities, and campus culture. By combining organized service activities and thoughtful reflection, service-learning enhances students’ comprehension of course content while providing them with real-world experience. The impact of service-learning, however, reaches far beyond individual students. During the 2018-2019 academic year, 76 NWTC faculty members — representing every department within the learning division — incorporated into their courses service- learning opportunities in collaboration with more than 125 community partners. Nearly 4,241 students worked on 274 service- learning projects and 78 volunteer projects. From performing vehicle repairs for nonprofits in rural Northeast Wisconsin (page 11) and contributing to national research on antibiotic resistance (page 19), to assembling kits helping communities address the opioid epidemic (page 34) and community building with local Police Departments (page 7), service-learning experiences bring students beyond the classroom as they apply their education to solving real-life problems and work together to improve the future of our region, state, country, and world. AUTHENTIC SERVICE-LEARNING DEFINED Service-Learning at NWTC   Is integrated into and enhances the curriculum providing an opportunity for students to apply skills learned in their course, program, or certificate.   Is a method of teaching and learning.   Requires student reflection.   Connects learning and assessment to the real world.   Fosters civic responsibility.   Addresses a community issue and/or enhances community development.   Is mutually beneficial to the learner and the community. NWTC Service-Learning Over the course of the 2018-2019 academic year, NWTC students from every academic department participated in 274 authentic service-learning projects and 78 volunteer projects. Together, students completed over 54,000 hours of service to the community resulting in over $1.37 million in economic impact*. These opportunities allowed students to apply their knowledge and skills Sincerely, to positively impact community members. Some service-learning projects were one-time opportunities, while other recur annually. H. Jeffrey Rafn, Ph.D. President, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College 1 *Based on the estimated value of volunteer time according to Independent Sector.