History

Efforts to form a collaborative entity that would champion the pedagogy of service-learning surfaced in Nebraska in the early 1990's.  As a result, the Nebraska Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education was formed in 1993.  In 1997, it received its first grant from Learn and Serve America. Beginning with five member institutions, the Consortium has steadily added members through the years and now consists of twenty-six institutions.

With the addition of the University of South Dakota in 2002, the Consortium dropped Nebraska from its name and became the Midwest Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education.  During late fall 2003, the Midwest Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education received another Learn and Serve grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, to further support and expand service-learning on college campuses in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa. 

As a collaborative entity, the Midwest Consortium exists to advance the pedagogy of service-learning at each member institution.  Support given by fellow members allows institutions to seed and grow a strong service-learning program that seeks to build capacity in the community and remain self-sustaining.  Campuses partner with community members to further the community's resources while garnering an enriched educational experience for their students.  This experiential learning builds a stronger student awareness of community and increases their level of civic responsibility and engagement.

1997 - 2002

  • Nebraska Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education sought out new membership within the state of Nebraska
  • This effort led to 16 new members joining
  • The Learn and Serve grant primarily emphasized services to immigrants, refugees, and residents living in poverty

 2002-2003

  • University of South Dakota becomes a member
  • Nebraska Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education becomes The Midwest Consortium for Service-Learning in Higher Education
  • Dr. Gary Heusel appointed Executive Director of the Midwest Consortium

 2003-2006

  • New Learn and Serve grant is acquired with primary emphases remaining on immigrants, refugees, and residents living in poverty.
  • In the Fall of 2004, the Midwest Consortium begins holding an annual service-learning conference
  • More institutions join from South Dakota and Iowa bringing the total to 26 members

 2006-Present

  • The Midwest Consortium receives funding for a further 3 year cycle from Learn and Serve America.
  • Grant funds are primarily focused on disadvantaged PK-12 youth and disaster mitigation
  • Deb Eisloeffel hired as Assistant Director of the Midwest Consortium to help the Executive Director accomplish the duties of a growing organization