Service-Learning’s Role in Our Talent Pipeline

Lindsey Arthur started her career with an AmeriCorps service term at Muncie Habitat for Humanity in 2002. Twenty-three years later, she has served as the CEO at Habitat since 2008, having risen through the ranks from AmeriCorps Service Member to Program Director to Assistant Executive Director.

AmeriCorps Service provided Lindsey with an introduction to the nonprofit industry, meaningful work, increased social capital, and a passion for safe, decent, affordable housing. Muncie Habitat has engaged numerous AmeriCorps Members, many of whom continue to make valuable contributions to the quality of life in Muncie.

The value of service-learning

Service-learning programs, such as AmeriCorps, offer valuable experiences for students, volunteers, organizations, and the community. At our August ‘Nonprofit Essentials’ event, Stefonie Sebastian from SERVE Indiana and Ashley Williams of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce discussed service-learning’s distinct benefits, highlighting how it connects students to local opportunities and fosters relationships.

Ashley shared, “Host site employees have a renewed sense of excitement and passion for what they do. The students are not the only ones learning; the adults are learning, too.” 

What defines service-learning?

• Focus on meeting a community need that is age/skill appropriate

• Intentional tie to learning

• Participants have a choice in the project/plan

• Reciprocal partnerships are vital for shared responsibilities

• Structured reflection/evaluation

• Occurs over months or years

Ashley and Stefonie emphasized the advantages of service-learning for individuals involved, participating organizations, and the broader community.

Benefits of service learning

For participants:

• Strengthens “power skills” such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, empathy, leadership, adaptability, and organizational skills

• Builds valuable career and résumé experience

• Creates meaningful involvement with the local community

• Supports career exploration and preparedness

• Increases civic engagement

For organizations and communities:

• Combines skill development with civic and social responsibility

• Strengthens career outreach programs and builds a sustainable talent pipeline

• Expands community partnerships and resources to address local needs

• Contributes to a culture of innovation, unconventional thinking, and problem-solving

• Engages the community in mutually supportive efforts

• Fosters a more inclusive, cooperative community climate and culture

Local talent development in action

The Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s Talent Development program offers various ways to connect organizations with students. The Chamber is working with educators, employers, and community members to provide students with opportunities to explore career pathways. These efforts include developing experiences for students to acquire industry-specific skills. For more information, contact Ashley at awilliams@muncie.com.

Provided by Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce 

SERVE Indiana, part of the Department of Workforce Development, manages AmeriCorps programs statewide and helps connect people with service opportunities.

Learn more: https://www.in.gov/serveindiana/national-service/.

Stephonie also introduced EARN Indiana, an improved work-study program offering paid internships for students and 50% wage reimbursement to employers.

Details here: https://www.workandlearnindiana.com/earn_info

Imagine the talent we can cultivate and retain in our community by participating in these programs!