Bryant University. The Character of Success

The Character of Service

Bryant University's mission is to develop well-rounded leaders; socially conscious professionals who will take their personal experiences and understanding of civic engagement to corporations and nonprofits, and help create a culture of community involvement and corporate responsibility. That makes service learning and civic engagement an integral part of a Bryant education.

Service learning

Service learning combines the ideals of volunteering, learning, and reflection. Students engaging in service learning activities have the opportunity to get out into the community and perform work that improves society.

Returning to the classroom, they examine and understand the issues facing the people and organizations for whom and with whom they worked. They then devise solutions. The goal is to make real systematic change in the community through new and innovative programs and initiatives.

Research shows that students learn a lot through projects that combine community service with academics. When students have the opportunity to connect what they are learning in class to service projects in the community, they also discover more about themselves, their values, and how to be of service. Bryant's community partners report that the University's student service learners are well organized, talented, energetic, and committed to making a difference for organizations.

Service learning courses

At Bryant, no matter what program of study you choose, you can do your part to better society and learn a lot about yourself along the way. In service learning courses, faculty design opportunities that link lessons in the classroom with service and learning experiences in the community.

Bryant's Sociology program offers a major and minor in service learning. Students learn about the root cause of social problems and work with community partners to understand issues - such as the achievement gap in schools, health disparities in our communities, the decline in funding for services to the disabled - and work on solutions.

In Management 200, a course required of all students, teams partner with local nonprofit agencies and apply management skills to semester-long projects that include fundraising, operations management, event planning, and program development.

Bryant's Literary & Cultural Studies courses feature partnerships that have linked students with populations of immigrants, refugees, and Native American children. Bryant students learn about the challenges and opportunities of cultural and linguistic diversity and develop programs with our partners that benefit local agencies and heighten students' understanding of culture and language.

In History courses, students have conducted oral histories with community partners and have produced videos that help chronicle important historical trends by focusing on local organizations and individuals.

Bryant's service learning program is supported by the federally funded AmeriCorps/VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) program. As part of a year of service, the VISTA works with students in the Sociology department to identify service learning opportunities.

Community service and civic engagement

In addition to service learning opportunities, Bryant students lead a variety of clubs and organizations that are dedicated to getting involved in the community and have a long-track record of making a difference.

Students interested in volunteering their time and skills can join service clubs and organized activities, including:

In addition to these clubs and student organizations, the Center for Student Involvement at employs two students as Student Service Learning Leaders to create and foster relationships with local nonprofits and provide opportunities for Bryant students to volunteer in the community.

For more information

To learn more about service learning at Bryant, please contact Professor Sandra Enos at senos@bryant.edu.