Service Learning

America Reads Volunteers

Earlham students invite participants at the Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration & Literacy Fair to vote for their favorite character.

Service Learning Program (SLP) is designed to encourage civic responsibility among Earlham students through community service. SLP serves as advisor to student initiated service efforts and assists with matching students and their skills and interests to needs of the community. Students are urged to address local issues concerning: education, youth, housing, the elderly, mental health, poverty, and the differently-abled. SLP works with community organizations to develop, recruit, and assess student service positions in the community.

The director works in a supportive role with the student run and directed Earlham Volunteer Exchange (EVE). EVE functions as a clearinghouse for community service opportunities available to students. In addition to EVE, the Service Learning Program serves as the umbrella for other service programs on campus. Students with Federal Work Study have the opportunity to apply for Service Internships in nonprofit organizations in the community which range from child care to programming assistants. Mini-grant funds are also available from the Indiana Campus Compact for student service projects in collaboration with local agencies. Also, students serve as reading partners in local elementary schools to improve literacy and join the America Reads Initiative.

Bonner Scholars Volunteer

Bonner Scholars volunteer with a variety of programs and organizations in Richmond.

Earlham College is also one of twenty-four colleges to host a Bonner Scholars Program. Each year fifteen first year students are awarded a four year scholarship based upon financial need and an interest in participating in community service. The Bonner Scholar Program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to serve and provide academic support and enrichment activities to students.


The Office of Service Learning is located on the first floor of the Landrum Bolling Center.