Nonprofit Partners’ Perceptions of Organizational and Community Impact Based on a Long-Term Academic Service-Learning Partnership

Abstract

This research summarizes organizational and community impacts reported by nonprofit community partners participating in an academic service-learning program with communication capstone students at Eastern Michigan University. Community partners discussed internal and external communication-focused capstone projects, perceived short-term and long-term impacts, as well as organizational versus community impact. Analysis of the data revealed that internally focused projects delivered more long-term impact at the organizational level, while several of the externally focused projects delivered short-term impact at both the organizational and community level. A small number of projects delivered little to no impact. In addition, three specific long-term organizational impacts were discovered: new organizational learning, enhanced personal and professional development, and increased student engagement. While student learning outcomes related to service-learning have been well documented, this research adds to the growing body of literature on the organizational and community outcomes associated with academic service-learning courses. This research also illustrates the need for communication-focused projects within the nonprofit sector. Advanced undergraduate students in communication and other allied disciplines are ready and able to fill such needs in meaningful ways through these partnerships.