Back to the Future: Reflecting on the SLCE Future Directions Project

Authors

Lori E. Kniffin Ph.D., Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
Sarah E. Stanlick, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Patti H. Clayton, PHC Ventures & NC Campus EngagementFollow

Abstract

This paper reflects on the Service-Learning and Community Engagement (SLCE) Future Directions Project (FDP), an initiative launched in 2015 to engage with the 20th anniversary of Edward Zlotkowski's pivotal 1995 article, "Does service-learning have a future?" to stimulate a broader, co-creative conversation about the future of SLCE. The FDP ultimately resulted in 29 thought pieces, co-written by 57 authors and published in the Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning (MJCSL) between 2015 and 2017. This current reflection, undertaken in 2025, synthesized survey responses from FDP authors and SLCE practitioners to assess the project's impact and re-examine future directions amidst evolving political and institutional landscapes at the 30th anniversary of MJCSL.

Document Type

Book

Version

Accepted Version

DOI

10.58809/WOSD7948

Publication Date

12-12-2025

First Page

1

Last Page

23

Rights

The Author(s)

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Recommended Citation

Kniffin, L. E., Stanlick, S. E., & Clayton, P. H. (2025). Back to the future: Reflecting on the SLCE Future Directions Project [White paper]. FHSU Scholars Repository.