Service-Learning Projects with Local Non-Profit Organizations Integrated into a Visual Design Class

The growing significance of corporate social responsibility in the fashion industry has shed light on the importance of preparing fashion students to become socially responsible professionals. In spite of numerous benefits of service-learning, the teaching/learning method has been rarely employed in the fashion design and merchandising context. Therefore, the purpose of the study was first, to examine the concept and models of service-learning and compare different types of service-learning programs, and second, to discuss service-learning projects that were adopted in a visual design class as examples that service-learning can be effectively integrated into the fashion design and merchandising curriculum. This study provides the opportunity to share successful service-learning implementation with other educators to help with effective incorporation of the pedagogical program into the curriculum.