Purdue Journal of Service-Learning

What is the Purdue Journal of Service-Learning?

With over 150 classes that incorporate service-learning at Purdue University, there is a need to showcase students’ service-learning projects and experiential programs. Service-learning is a term used to describe an academic course-based, educational experience that meets community-identified needs and fosters an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

The Purdue Journal of Service-Learning aims to globally advance service-learning and academic civic engagement by publishing scholarly work written by Purdue students. Student authors apply knowledge and skills from their course or discipline in a real-world experience to meet an identified community need. In writing through reflection, the students describe how the experience enhanced their personal values and civic responsibility, as well as their understanding of course content.

Since the 2014 inception of the Purdue Journal of Service-Learning, author articles have been downloaded over 41,000 times by individuals in 178 different countries.

How Do I Begin the Submission Process?

1. Identify a faculty writing mentor who will help guide you through the writing and editing process.
2. Carefully select one of the four article types you would like to submit for consideration.
3. Write a brief abstract (250-500 words) about your service-learning experience, referring to the guidelines of the article type you have chosen.
4. Once your abstract is accepted, you will have about two months to draft your article. Frequently refer to the PJSL article template and your writing mentor to help guide you through this process.
5. Once submitted, your article will be read by outside reviewers, whose feedback will be returned to you. When you receive reviewer feedback, you will have a two-week window of time to complete the required revisions and finalize your article.