As its federal funding for service learning expired last month, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) brought to a close its service learning initiatives as part of the association’s work.
AACC’s national service learning program—Community Colleges Broadening Horizons through Service Learning—received more than $5.5 million from the Corporation for National and Community Service and its Learn and Serve America program since 1994. Congress eliminated funding for Learn and Serve America in 2011.
For 18 years, AACC distributed the majority of its service learning funds through modest competitive grants to community colleges to help them start or expand service learning programs. In its role as a leadership facilitator and meeting convener, AACC also cultivated a network of community college educators who lead efforts that incorporate service learning in multiple disciplines.