Service Learning
Appalachia–Science in the Public Interest (ASPI) has sponsored the fieldwork component of service-learning courses for more than a decade, building on a longer history of hosting students and service groups for hands-on work in Rockcastle County and Appalachia since the late 1970s. These programs connect students, educators, and volunteers with projects that support sustainable communities across the region.
Unlike traditional volunteer service, service-learning is intentionally connected to academic goals. Participants engage in meaningful community work while also exploring sustainability, regional culture, and appropriate technology through direct experience.
ASPI’s service-learning programs combine education, community engagement, and hands-on projects across multiple focus areas.
A Hands-On Learning Experience
Service-learning participants work on real projects that support ASPI programs and community partners. Partners have long included schools such as the University of Notre Dame; other institutions and service groups (for example, Loyola Chicago) have sent students for multi-week placements.
Activities vary depending on group interests, season, and community needs, but typically include a mix of:
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems projects
- Environmental education and ecosystem stewardship
- Renewable energy and appropriate technology demonstrations
- Cultural documentation and oral history work
- Trail building, land stewardship, and site maintenance
- Community outreach and educational events
Most multi-day groups prefer to contribute in several areas, while some classes or organizations choose to focus on a specific theme such as sustainable agriculture, environmental education, or cultural preservation.
Service learning is not a one-size-fits-all curriculum—it is coordinated with instructors and ASPI staff so that academic goals align with real community work.
Locations & Facilities
Together, these sites allow groups to experience both community-based and natural landscape projects.
Mount Vernon, Kentucky
Service-learning programs are based at ASPI’s Small Town Demonstration Center at the organization’s main offices in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. This site serves as the hub for housing, daily projects, and cultural activities.
Learn more about the Mount Vernon Demonstration Center.
Livingston, Kentucky
Service-learning programs are based at ASPI’s Small Town Demonstration Center at the organization’s main offices in Mount Vernon, Kentucky. This site serves as the hub for housing, daily projects, and cultural activities.
Learn more about the Mount Vernon Demonstration Center.
Four systems, one region
Like the ecosystems that surround us, our work in each area is strengthened by the others. Many programs are deeply interdependent.
Ecosystems
Forest ecology, biodiversity, and environmental education grounded in the Appalachian mixed Mesophytic landscape.
Energy Systems
Renewable-energy demonstrations, solar installations, and low-cost, appropriate technology for sustainable living.
Food Systems
Sustainable agriculture, local food networks, ginseng and wild edibles, and community food resilience.
Cultural Systems
Folkways preservation, oral history, Appalachian storytelling, and documentation of regional knowledge and tradition.
Projects often integrate multiple areas, reflecting ASPI’s belief that sustainable communities depend on the interaction of environmental stewardship, local food systems, appropriate technology, and cultural knowledge.
Community Partnerships
Service-learning projects frequently involve collaboration with local organizations, farms, and community members. These partnerships allow participants to experience sustainability efforts across the region while supporting community-led initiatives.
When possible, service-learning programming includes a Farm Day, where participants work on projects at local homesteads or community farms. These experiences provide opportunities to learn directly from community members and see a variety of sustainable practices in action.
ASPI continues to build relationships with local and regional partners to expand these opportunities.
Housing, Meals, & Program Structure
ASPI facilitates on-site housing for visiting service-learning groups at the Mount Vernon Demonstration Center. Programs typically include:
- Shared lodging accommodations
- Access to kitchen facilities
- Group workspaces and meeting areas
- Cultural outings and educational activities
- Daily service projects
- Optional excursions to partner sites
Program length may range from single-day visits to multi-day immersive experiences.
Additional information about housing, meals, and program logistics is available in the service-learning information materials—contact ASPI to request them.
Internships
ASPI has offered internship opportunities in the past, including grant-funded positions for special projects. Interns may come from local communities or participate as in-residence interns for the duration of the program.
ASPI has previously assisted visiting interns by providing:
- On-site housing
- Access to local foods
- Mentorship and project guidance
- Hands-on sustainability experience
While ASPI is not currently accepting internship applications, past internship opportunities have included:
- High school student internships
- Grow Appalachia internships
- Nature Center internships
- Appalachian Simple Lifestyle Calendar internships
Future internship opportunities may be announced as funding and program capacity allow.
Educational Outcomes
Service-learning participants gain experience in:
- Sustainability in practice
- Community-based learning
- Regional culture and heritage
- Environmental stewardship
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Appropriate technology applications
These experiences help connect classroom learning with real-world community work.
Learn More
For additional details about scheduling, housing, and program options, please contact ASPI to request service-learning materials or discuss group participation.
Service-learning opportunities are customized based on group size, timeframe, and educational goals.
For Educators and Group Leaders
If you are considering a service-learning course or group visit:
- Review Programs and Events to see what ASPI is offering.
- Contact ASPI early in your planning semester to discuss dates, learning outcomes, housing (if applicable), and liability.
- Connect service work to resources, demonstration sites, and the focus areas above so students can prepare and follow up with readings and site context.
Where to go from here
Support Service Learning & Demonstrations
Donations help maintain the sites, tools, and staff time needed to host student groups.