Service learning has a long and distinguished history. This concept was modeled in the life of Christ1 and has been emphasized in traditional Adventist literature, where one sees a strong connection made between service, education, training/learning, and happiness and contentment. Ellen G. White wrote “In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service.”

In the educational arena, current secular literature describes service learning as altruistic participation in organized service experiences. These activities, which are embedded in the curriculum, help students learn to apply new knowledge, understandings, skills, and values as they meet real community needs.