Benefits

• Working with unfamiliar populations reduces stereotypes and promotes tolerance.
• Promotes personal development, self efficacy, and leadership.
• Increases feeling of community connection and civic responsibility.
• Deepens understanding of subject matter and complexity of social issues.

Challenges

• Lack of time given the demands of school, work, and family.
• Fear of working with unfamiliar populations and issues.
• Lack of convenient transportation.
• Difficulty relating service with their coursework and/or the work of the organization