Contact Us
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 325 on a map
Center for Leadership and Community Engagement 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United StatesWhat is CSLP?
The Community Service-Learning Program (CSLP) provides an opportunity for undergrads to work with a community organization, such as a non-profit, while earning an additional credit towards graduation. It gives students the chance to get hands-on experience by going beyond what they are able to learn in a classroom while creating an impact in the DC community through service.
Spring 2025 CSLP Registration
Registration Instruction
Step 1: Log in with your AU Credentials on GivePulse, our service-hours tracking tool. *We recommend opening the link below in a new tab, then returning to this page for Step 2 after you log into GivePulse*
Log in to GivePulse
Step 2: Register for the Spring 2025 CSLP cohort on GivePulse using the "register" button on the top right (once you've logged-in). Please fill out the registration by 3pm on Monday, January 27. Register for CSLP Spring 2025
Step 3: Attend the orientation. You'll receive details via email as orientation approaches.
Step 4: Meet nonprofits shaping our city with the support of CBLR staff. Our Spring 2025 Nonprofit Showcase will be 1/15 from 12-2pm in the MGC 305. Brochure from Partner Fair
Why CSLP?
CSLP provides an opportunity for students to do in-person and/or virtual service while earning credit towards graduation. It gives students the chance to serve the communities and causes they learn about in class, taking the learning process beyond the classroom.
CSLP is right for you if ...
- You are an undergraduate student currently enrolled in 12-16 credits (Reach out if you are over or under credits).
- You want to increase your understanding of issues facing our community and how community organizations are responding to these issues.
- You want to gain a deeper understanding of your coursework through real-world connections with the local community.
Spring 2025 Orientation Dates
Orientations will be hosted Wednesday 1/22/25 from 3:30-5:00pm in MGC 305 and Friday 1/24/25 from 3:30-5:00pm in MGC 306.
You only need to attend one Orientation!
Can't make either? Email CBLR@american.edu for assistance with a make-up Orientation.
CSLP Program Requirements
Complete a 40-hour service-learning experience with a community partner of your choice! Connect your academic experience to hands-on work with DC nonprofits that make an impact across local communities.
Attend Orientation, mid-semester reflection, and final event.
Complete 3 Peer Mentor check-ins (~15min ea) to ensure that you are on track with participant documentation, service hours, academic project, etc.
Attend 1 immersive of your choice about service-learning topics or your field of interest (museums, guest speakers, workshops, etc.)
Complete 1 academic reflection to be decided upon with professor.
Submit all hours onto GivePulse by hour log deadline.
Confused? Email CBLR@american.edu with questions!
Resources
Non-Profit Directories
These directories are organized by issue area, and include the contact information and mission statements of local non-profits.
Guide to Connecting with Non-Profits
This guide outlines a strategy of how to reach out to prospective community partners, including an email template and phone call talking points.
CSLP WordPress Blog
Serve Earn Learn is the CSLP WordPress site where students in the Community Service-Learning Program reflect on their service experience. Learn more about students' experiences and the organizations they volunteer with here.