The Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP) is an eight-week service-learning course for approximately 200 Notre Dame students. In addition to their volunteer work, students complete reading and writing assignments over the summer. This work earns the students three hours of credit in Theology.
Currently, students can volunteer at four different sites within the St. Louis community: Doorways, Good Shepherd, St. Patrick’s Center, and De LaSalle Middle School. Students working at Doorways assist the immediate families of those affected with HIV. Often students coordinate activities for children whose parents are infected. Good Shepherd is a residential home and emergency shelter for teenagers. Students help plan and run activities for the teens, preparing them for independent living or a return to their families. St. Patrick’s Center provides numerous services for those people who are impoverished and mentally ill, including addiction education classes, housing location services, job search assistance, childcare, and medical services. De LaSalle, located in the heart of the Ville in North St. Louis City, serves children of the neighborhood who need the alternative middle school to become successful as they move into high school. Students assist with the academic teaching of the children at the school.
Each summer, the Notre Dame Club of St. Louis supports the students who volunteer at these sites by contributing to the $2,300 scholarship the students receive. Additionally, the Club reimburses food and gas costs that the students incur. If necessary, the Club also organizes housing for these students. Lastly, the Club’s goal in this endeavor is to help the students see that Notre Dame is a family, not only on campus, but also away from campus. As such, families in the Notre Dame community invite students to dinners, Cardinals games, plays, and other activities during their stay in St. Louis.
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