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Community Engagement and Service Learning

Community Engagement and Service Learning

A degree isn’t just a piece of paper. It should transform you. Open your heart and mind. The Academy combines theory with real-world experience to develop your skills in critical thinking, teamwork and civic participation. With us, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the wider community. Gain the tools you need to make a difference in the world.

Community partnerships

We partner with local community organisations to offer you:

  • Internships and projects for academic credit.
  • Volunteering and Service Learning opportunities, on and off campus.

Citizen Scholar Awards

A Citizen Scholar is an individual who aspires to both scholarship and being an active engaged citizen.

The Academy Citizen Scholar Award (ACSA) is designed to be a framework for the development of Citizen Scholars – students who not only value gaining knowledge and are lifelong learners, but are critical thinkers, problem solvers and active, engaged citizens.

The Award is available to all Academy students regardless of their degree program. The Award aims to enhance student learning and development, to develop in each student self-awareness, understanding of one's talents, values, and interests, to develop a particular set of skills, attributers and knowledge that have been identified as essential for 'Citizen Scholars'.

The Award is based on principles of both engaged and transformative learning principles. Students have opportunities to engage deeply in their own learning and development, to practice the transfer or application of knowledge across contexts (through activities both on and off-campus), to interact with other perspectives and voices, to receive frequent feedback about their performance, and to reflect on both that feedback and their learning.

To promote a holistic approach there are four strands:

  • Personal development and wellbeing 
  • Professional development
  • Community engagement
  • Global Citizen

Students will be encouraged to explore areas of interest and be able to make the connection between local issues and global issues. Through engaging with community organisations, students work collectively toward community goals and develop the knowledge, skills, and vision they need to build community, be effective citizens, and advocate for social justice.

Enrolments are open at the beginning of each semester and students require at least 80 credit points remaining on their undergraduate degree to be eligible.

Information for Community Partners

If you’re a community organisation, primary school or not-for-profit organisation in Sydney, The Academy would love to hear from you. Talk to us about how we can work together to develop learning, research and investigation projects that are meaningful to the community and enhance our students' academic journey.

If you have any questions please email theacademy@westernsydney.edu.au