April is Global Volunteer Month — a time for celebrating civic action and the power of individual contributions to the community. The Center for Service-Learning & Civic Engagement has been institutionalized at Eastern Florida State College for 37 years, partnering with hundreds of non-profit and government organizations in the local community.
Service-learning in the college setting comes with great benefits to students, both academically and professionally. Students who document at least 75 hours and maintain a 2.5 GPA are eligible for exclusive service-learning scholarships. In addition to the 4th/5th credit option field studies courses, students can also complete up to three 1-credit SOW field-studies courses (Humane Service Experience SOW 1051/1052/1053) and the 3-credit SOW 2054 (Community Involvement course). Furthermore, many EFSC instructors offer extra credit to students for volunteering in their community.
“Service-learning can change your life while you change the world. And sometimes maybe change your grades,” said Dr. Erin Baird, Director of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. “Students who volunteer are more likely to graduate and have higher GPAs.”
But the benefits of service-learning extend beyond the classroom. Students who pursue service-learning may see positive growth in their careers as well.
“You can get job references and learn skills to put on your resume,” said Dr. Baird. “It’s a great opportunity to explore what you’re passionate about. Go volunteer at a hospital or the zoo. See if it’s something you want to do before you invest years and money into an education.”
EFSC’s student service club, Rotaract, has over 50 members and volunteers every week with a variety of community partners. Their efforts with non-profits such as the Children’s Hunger Project, Restore Our Shores, and Brevard Health Alliance have made a noticeable impact on the community.
“Since our students began volunteering at Endeavor Elementary, test scores have returned to pre-pandemic numbers,” said Dr. Baird. “Our efforts with Restore Our Shores are showing a return of the seagrass population and improved water quality in the lagoon. It’s amazing to know you’re part of that solution.”
Rotaract also runs a Haunted Trail fundraiser each October in partnership with Brevard County Parks and Recreation. In 2024, the event spanned four days and raised over $10,000 — half of which went to Parks and Recreation, and half of which was donated to non-profits, including local elementary schools, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Brevard Humane Society, and Crosswinds Youth Services.
“Service-learning is not just an extracurricular activity. It’s an integral part of who I am,” said Edilma Vasconcelos, Rotaract President. “This experience has deepened my sense of humility. I acknowledge that there’s always more to discover about myself and the world around me.”
Vasconcelos is a first-generation college student completing her AA with plans to move onto a nursing bachelor’s program. Her goal is to go into oncological nursing, helping patients and families affected by cancer. Service-learning has been instrumental in her academic journey.
“Service-learning has fostered a sense of belonging and boosted my confidence,” she said. “It improved my academic performance and helped me acquire new skills. I also formed meaningful friendships while earning extra credits. Most importantly, I’ve been reassured that true fulfillment comes from making a positive difference in others’ lives.”
Regardless of a student’s career goals, background, or personality, Vasconcelos believes everyone has a place in service-learning where “education and community come together to drive positive change.”
“By simply dedicating our time, we can help change the world one step at time, ultimately creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that can impact countless lives.”
In 2024 alone, more than 600 EFSC students volunteered a total of 11,000 hours at locations such as Keep Brevard Beautiful, Brevard Zoo, Meals on Wheels, and The Women’s Center. Students who volunteered over 300 hours (and met additional requirements) were eligible for the Citizen Scholar program — a distinction that includes special recognition at graduation, a letter from the College President, and a Citizen Scholar plaque.
Luke Figueroa, a Citizen Scholar, first discovered service-learning through his community involvement class. He began volunteering both on and off campus, especially enjoying his time at the EFSC Writing Center where he had a life-changing encounter with a Vietnam veteran.
“He wanted to come back to college for his A.A., and he needed help writing assignment for Composition 1,” said Figueroa. “During his service, he was wounded in the head and told that he’d never be able to speak or walk. But here he was, sitting in front of me, fully functional, able to talk. It was so inspiring. With help from my tutoring, he got an A and he was so ecstatic. Little did he know that it was a pivotal point in my service-learning experience. It opened my eyes to a different perspective in life.”
Figueroa took that experience and used it to fuel his volunteering at CITA, which serves as a soup kitchen and thrift shop that gives back to the community.
“I was able to help with inventory and setting up the shop, and loved doing that,” said Figueroa. “I learned the daily operations of how to run a thrift store and how to get the merchandise.”
This experience has been invaluable to Figueroa, complementing his BAS in Organizational Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate. He encourages all students to consider the numerous benefits that come with volunteering.
“It looks great on your resume and a nice addition to your graduation,” said Figueroa. “But the real selling point of service-learning isn’t just obtaining the credentials and accolades. It’s also playing a pivotal part in your own community and the college you attend.”
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