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Summer Service Learning Program

The Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP) began in 1980 with the

following goals:

To allow Notre Dame students to enter into service relationships with organizations chosen by Notre Dame Alumni Clubs across the United States;

To create an opportunity for discussion of social concerns and the Catholic social tradition between students, alumni/ alumnae, and community partners;

To engage students in the integration of service experience with academic readings, reflections, and writing.

The SSLP is a three-credit Theology course (S/U) with an eight consecutive week immersion. The Center invites Notre Dame Alumni Clubs to sponsor students to work in an agency or parish in the local community of the Club. The Center recruits Notre Dame students who are interested in expanding their education by working with and learning from persons who are marginalized in society. In 2011, 118 Notre Dame Alumni Clubs sponsored 227 Notre Dame students in sites across the country.

This course consists of classroom sessions in April, reading and writing during the eight week immersion, and a follow-up classroom sessions in the fall. This course does not fulfill the University’s required theology courses, but it does count as an elective. The Notre Dame Alumni Clubs, the James F. Andrews Scholarship Fund, and other special scholarship funds provide a $2,500 Social Concerns Scholarship to students at the completion of this eight week summer experience and the academic requirements. Room and board are provided by the Clubs or by the site. Some students serve in their local communities and live at home.

View the Summer Service Learning Video.

View the Legacy of James F. Andrews Video.

View the 2011 Andrews Annual SSLP Booklet.

James F. Andrews

Student Reflection

Stephen Zerfas

Hope Ministries

Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley

The SSLP placement is a rolling process. As students complete the application, interview and placement process, contracts for sites will be offered. The application deadline is February 15, but it is in a student’s best interest to apply early.

Application, Interview, and Placement Process Information

Sites will be continuing to make updates over the next few weeks, particularly about transportation and housing. In the dates field, many sites list many eight week blocks from which to choose the dates of the SSLP.

Additional SSLP Information