SDSU’s Service-Learning Advisory Council annually presents three awards that recognize the hard work and dedication of outstanding people and programs in the field of service-learning and community engagement.

The Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions to Service-Learning is given to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in creating, providing, and sustaining opportunities for engaging SDSU students in service-learning and has contributed to the pedagogy and good practice of service-learning in higher education.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Innovative, creative product or activity
  
• Evidence of benefits to students
  
• Sustained effort: Product or activity has continued or developed over time.

The Award for Outstanding Community Partner Contributions to Service-Learning is given to a community organization whose members have demonstrated excellence in creating, providing, and sustaining opportunities for engaging SDSU students in service-learning. Community partners should have collaborated with a service-learning program for more than one year in order to be nominated.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Active voice: Community partner has made substantial contributions to planning and implementation of service-learning.
  
• Evidence of benefits to students
  
• Sustained effort: A true collaboration has developed over time.

The Award for Outstanding Student Contributions to Service-Learning is given to a full-time undergraduate student who has demonstrated extraordinary public or community service efforts while attending SDSU.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Evidence of the impacts of service-learning participation in the community
  
• Evidence of the impacts on his/her academic learning, civic commitment, community awareness, and personal development
  
• Evidence of service-learning impacts at the higher education institution
  
• Linked service efforts with academic study
  
• Demonstrated innovative and sustained approaches to address an issue in the community.

The Service-Learning Advisory Council reviews nominations from faculty, students, and community members, selects the award recipients, and recognizes the winners at a public reception.  The awards consist of an engraved plaque and $100.  Funding for the awards comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service through a Learn and Serve America grant.