Prospective Partner

Interested in forming a partnership with Loyola's service learning program? Here's the process:

1. Apply by filling out our Partnership Application Form.
2. New placement agencies are investigated every summer (late May, June and July).  During this time, our staff will follow up with applicants to learn more about your agency. This process may include informational meetings with key staff, site visits, and/or program observations.
3. Project partners are solicited on an as-needed basis, usually through a "call for partners."  The professor or the service learning office will circulate a short description of a service learning course and a few parameters and ideas for possible projects.  Calls for partners are sent to all agencies in the service learning database.  Any interested agency may respond to a call for partners with a brief description of a proposed project.  Agencies may also apply to be added to the project partners list (see partnership application above).

   Click here for the differences between projects and placements.

4. If a mutually beneficial partnership can be formed, your agency will need to read and agree to all the provisions in Loyola’s memorandum of understanding (MOU), which outlines mutual expectations and clarifies liability matters. 

Criteria for agency partners

1. Agency's mission complements Loyola's mission.
2. Agency has an appropriate level of volunteer management capacity.
3. The needs and assets of the agency match the needs and assets of Loyola's service learning program.
4. Agency can offer shifts that meet students' scheduling needs.
5. Agency can offer tasks relevant to students' interests and skills, and appropriate to course learning goals.
6. The location of the agency is near to the university, or easily accessible via public transportation.
7. Agency must procure and maintain general liability insurance that covers volunteers.
8. Agency must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency or public agency.
9. Agency must employ at least one full time staff member. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is service learning?

• What is service learning?
• What are some examples of service learning?
• What's the difference between service learning and community service?
• How are service learning students different from ordinary volunteers?
• How are service learning students different from interns?
• What kinds of service learning happen at Loyola?

Why is service learning important?

• Benefits of service learning for students, for faculty, and for communities
• What are Loyola's goals for its community partnerships?
• What do students learn from service learning?