Experiential learning
What’s the difference between service learning, job shadowing and internships?
As a community partner in the Piper Servant Leader Network, you may engage with students in different ways — through short-term volunteering, observational experiences or more structured internship placements. Each experience is designed to support student learning while contributing meaningfully to your organization’s mission. Here's how they differ:
Service-learning is an educational experience that combines academic coursework with meaningful community service. Students work directly with nonprofits to contribute to your organization’s goals while making connections between their service and classroom content.
What community partners gain:
- Reliable short-term volunteer capacity from students ready to learn and serve
- An opportunity to introduce a diverse group of students to your mission and impact
- A pathway to develop future volunteers, interns or advocates
What students gain:
- A deeper understanding of how nonprofits contribute to the community
- Practical experience and transferable skills
- Greater empathy, civic awareness and a sense of purpose
Job shadowing is an observation-based experience where students follow nonprofit professionals to understand how organizations operate behind the scenes.
What community partners gain:
- A low-commitment opportunity to mentor and inspire future changemakers
- The chance to showcase your team’s work and professional pathways
- A way to influence how students see and value the nonprofit sector
What students gain:
- Firsthand exposure to the complexity of the work of nonprofit professionals
- A broader understanding of how skills from their major can be applied in mission-driven work
- Meaningful connections and clarity on how they might engage in the sector
Internships are structured, semester-long opportunities for students to take on real responsibilities within your organization. Students apply their knowledge, receive mentorship and contribute directly to your mission.
What community partners gain:
- A motivated short-term team member to support programs, research or special projects
- Opportunities to mentor future nonprofit professionals
- A stronger talent pipeline of students who understand your work and mission
What students gain:
- Hands-on experience supporting meaningful projects
- Stronger professional skills and sector knowledge
- A competitive edge through multi-sector experience and nonprofit insight