The mission of our service learning program is to build partnerships with the community for the purpose of mutual growth and understanding, to help learners test theory in real life applications, and to provide a supportive environment for thoughtful, active, lifelong learners who believe they can make a difference in their community.

Service learners work in a community or organization that relates to their academic course content, and the amount of service hours will depend on their course requirements as well as the requirements of the community partner. We strive for mutually beneficial relationships and hope to be able to connect with your community or organization.

Outstanding Community Partner Awards

How to become a community partner?

If you would like to become a community partner with HPU’s Service Learning Program, please follow these steps:

Thank you for your interest in becoming a community partner with HPU’s Service Learning Program. First we suggest that you browse our web site to gain a better understanding of service learning and the kind of commitment it involves.

1. Read the Community Partner Guide.

2. Scan the list of projects and courses (Our Programs page) offering service learning components. As you read through the descriptions, please reflect on the kinds of opportunities your organization offers and how they might relate to any of the service learning projects or specific courses offered. It is best to plan two to three months ahead.

3. If there is a program or course that looks like a good match with the work of your organization, contact the Service Learning Program Chair by e-mail ( Valentina Abordonado: vabordonado@hpu.edu ) or by phone at (544-1143) to discuss your interest in establishing a partnership.

4. Complete the Service Learning Community Partner Information Form (Word Document) and send it the Service Learning Program office at 1188 Fort Street Mall, Suite 201A, Honolulu, HI 96813. Or fax it to 544-0841 or send it as an attachment via e-mail to the Service Learning Program office ( Gayle Sollfrank: gsollfrank@hpu.edu ).

5. Upon receipt of this information, your organization will be added to our online Community Partners Directory.

6. If your organization has any brochures, flyers, or information on upcoming events that you would like to pass along to the HPU Service Learning Program office, we will post your information on our bulletin board as well as our web site.

***Please note that there are a limited number of service learning courses offered each semester, thus limiting the number of enrolled students. Also, please be aware that it may take time to develop a course and that there may already be existing community partners working with a course.***