Engaging the learner: The ABC's of service–learning

•Service–learning is an effective way to engage the learner with real-life applications in the community.•Service–learning assists students in developing leadership and teamwork skills.•Service–learning helps bridge the gap between education and practice.•Learning can be exciting and fun through service–learning.

Today, educators are faced with the most demanding generation of learners: Generation Y. Service–learning is a means to engage Generation Y learners and empower them as active learners using real-life applications. Service–learning energizes and redesigns the learning environment as it takes traditional classroom experiences into the community. Through service–learning, students have the chance to practice what they learn while enhancing leadership, social, and partnership skills.