Service-learning and art therapy in a homeless shelter

This article describes a brief service-learning assignment in which graduate art therapy students at an urban university in the United States worked with children residing in a homeless shelter. The term service-learning refers to the integration of community service into a college course to help students achieve specific learning objectives. In this case, service-learning was intended to supplement an art therapy internship course through an opportunity for students to increase knowledge about homelessness. Students’ learning was assessed using the criteria of two art therapy education standards: Cultural and Social Diversity, and Human Growth and Development (American Association of Art Therapy [AATA], 2007). In addition to achievement noted in these areas, the service-learning assignment unexpectedly seemed to foster achievement in a third education standard: Studio Art. This article demonstrates how even a short-term service-learning assignment can enhance art therapy education and benefit the community, when it is thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum and connected to education standards.