The Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
MSU's Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (CSLCE) is dedicated to providing active, service-focused, community-based, mutually beneficial and integrated learning opportunities for MSU students. The service-learning experience helps MSU students build and enhance their commitment to academics, personal and professional development, and civic responsibility. Annually over 14,000 MSU students participate in service-learning projects and over 417 not-for-profit community partners utilize the center for service-learning support.
History of the Program
In 1968 a gallon of gas was 34 cents, 60 Minutes on CBS began its reign as the longest-running prime-time television news magazine, and the Grammys' Album of the Year was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles. It was also a year of turmoil, unrest, and change for the United States. The civil rights movement, the Vietnam war, the "War on Poverty," the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, and the emotional 1968 presidential election all contributed to what historians refer to as a pivotal change in public attitudes and beliefs. And within this framework, Michigan State University established the Office of Volunteer Programs, with the belief that MSU students could make a difference "at home" and see some results. Forty years later the modern day result is the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (CSLCE), the oldest, continuously operating service-learning center in the country.
Growth and change has been a constant companion for those involved in the national service-learning movement, and Michigan State University has been a pioneer and leader. In the 1970s the goal was to look at voluntary service as purposeful, planned and reciprocal contributions to the community for the public good, rather than as simply "volunteerism." In the early 1990s MSU student leaders sought to revitalize student activism and action in response to the "Me Generation" and created MSU Campus Outreach and Opportunity League (COOL), resulting in popular programs such as Alternative Spring Break, Into the Streets, and Martin Luther King Day of Service.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Support the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
Gifts to support the CSLCE will help insure consistency and strengthen the quality of service and overall the experience for MSU students and hundreds of non-profit organizations. If you are interested in making a gift to support the CSLCE, please contact the Student Services Advancement Office at (517) 355-7535 or make your gift online today.
The Don Ausman Alternative Spring Break Scholarship
The Ausman and Wauldron families along with the Alternative Spring Break Student Organization established the Don Ausman Alternative Spring Break Scholarship Fund. Learn more about the Ausman Spring Break Scholarship.
Asian-Indian Endowment for the Education of Underserved Children
Sponsor A Spartan For Service-Learning And Donate Your Airline Miles!
The Spartan For Service-Learning Airline Mile Donation Program will match donors with students who need travel assistance in order to participate in a service-learning experience. Believed to be the first of its kind, the goal will be to help alumni, friends and corporate partners support Spartans engaged in service-learning throughout the country and abroad. Learn more about how you can donate airline miles.
History of the Program
The Spartan For Service-Learning Airline Mile Donation Program will match donors with students who need travel assistance in order to participate in a service-learning experience. 
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