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"Beyond a change of scenery, I wanted to have a real-world context in order to put college in perspective. I knew that I would not be satisfied if I didn't feel like I was interacting with real people and giving back to the community from which I was absorbing so much. By placing myself in different surroundings and exposing myself to new situations, I learned about myself in many ways."
- Bronwyn, IPSL Mexico program
The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership (IPSL), founded in 1982, is a not-for-profit educational organization incorporated in New York State serving students, colleges, universities, service agencies and related organizations around the world by fostering programs that link volunteer service to the community with academic study.
The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership believes that the joining of study and service:
For more details on service-learning and principles of good practice, see the IPSL Declaration of Principles.
The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership has two related missions:
IPSL initiates, designs, and administers service-learning programs in: Czech Republic, Ecuador (Galapagos, Guayaquil and Quito ), England, India, Italy, Jamaica, Lakota Nation ( USA ), Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, and Thailand. Undergraduate programs are open to college and university students and graduates from any nation, qualified high school graduates, and in-service professionals. Since 1982, students from over 400 U.S. institutions of higher education and 25 other nations have participated in IPSL programs.
IPSL also designed and administers a one-year M.A. in International Service program, preparing students for professional positions in international not-for-profit organizations.
To develop and promote service-learning in institutions of higher education around the world.
Governed by an international Board of Trustees including college/university presidents and the executives of national education and service organizations, IPSL is staffed by full-time professionals who oversee the programs and visit the sites regularly. Each program has an in-country director. The Program Directors meet annually with the officers and Board of Trustees for review and training. The faculty are in-country, fully qualified academicians.
The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership has received funding from various foundations, including the Ford Foundation, the Hitachi Foundation, the International Foundation, the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, the Henry Luce Foundation, Inc., and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Scholarship funds of the International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership are primarily funded by individual donors. Each year, there are many qualified students who would not be able to participate in an IPSL program without a scholarship. If you would like to give to an IPSL scholarship fund, please contact Barbara Wanasek. See Financial Aid & Scholarships for a list of IPSL scholarship opportunities.
Tax-deductible contributions to the ongoing work of IPSL may be made online through Network for Good or directly to IPSL. Please contact Barbara Wanasek with inquiries.
There are many ways to become involved with IPSL activities:
