Take a Service-Learning Course

APPLES courses integrate the educational goals of a course with relevant community service aiming to increase students’ understanding of the course content and its impact on local communities. Students in APPLES courses complete 30 hours of service relevant to the course content with designated community organizations.

APPLES is currently affiliated with more than 250 Triangle-area community partners where students can fulfill their service-learning requirement. APPLES partners allow students to provide a wide array of services while addressing different issues affecting our communities such as education, health, environment, homelessness, literacy, hunger and economic development.

Each semester, more than 50 APPLES courses are offered and most fulfill the experiential education requirement. Unless otherwise noted, students register for APPLES courses through Connect Carolina. The APPLES program does not register students for service-learning courses; students needing assistance in finding an open service-learning course should contact academic advising.

Enroll in an APPLES course:

1. Make sure you have the time. Students in courses commit to serving at least 30 hours throughout the semester. Schedules for available volunteer opportunities are posted typically in the first week of class.
2. Review the posted course listing. This is typically posted the week before registration begins. These courses fill quickly and some have special requirements. Make sure to read these carefully and submit any applications or other materials.
3. Enroll using Connect Carolina. Unless a course requires instructor permission or an application, students can enroll in APPLES courses through Connect Carolina.
   • View the 2024 Spring course listing (You may also check Connect Carolina and search courses by E3-Service Learning.)

Once enrolled, students can maximize their service-learning experience with these easy steps. APPLES staff is available to assist with questions or concerns.

1. Complete the online module. Students can begin preparing for APPLES courses before the semester begins by completing the online course module. This module introduces students to the requirements, considerations and foundations of a service-learning experience.
2. Review the community partner listing. During the first few class meetings, students can view a listing of possible community partner opportunities. Each course has a unique process to assign volunteers to specific sites, keeping in mind student preferences, transportation and schedules.
3. Contact the community partner. Once a volunteer opportunity has been assigned, students should immediately contact the community partner and introduce themselves as an APPLES volunteer. Many courses require students to complete a service-learning agreement, time log or other forms to begin the service-learning experience. Students should be prepared in the initial meeting to review important information including: schedule for volunteering, dress codes, confidentiality, required tests or trainings, etc.
4. Apply for a partnership grant. As students volunteer during the semester, students can apply for a partnership grant to deepen the service-learning experience. These grants fund supplementary materials for enhancement projects related to the student’s work with the community.