Engaging Student Veterans in Meaningful Service-Learning Experiences: A Practical Guide

Abstract

Student veterans face some barriers to fully engaging in the postsecondary education experience, in addition to sometimes struggling to complete their degrees. This article highlights a university program that annually engages groups of student veterans in meaningful service-learning experiences through a partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The theoretical foundation, program structure, and lessons learned are shared so that other institutions or organizations may similarly engage their veteran population.

Keywords

• service-learning, high impact educational practices, student engagement, veterans, outdoor programs