Understanding the Impact of the $100 Solution™ on Community Partnerships

Abstract

Service-learning has a variety of documented benefits for college students; however, less research exists on the influence of service-learning on community partners. This paper examines $100 Solution™ student service-learning projects, a specific and innovative approach to service-learning, and their influence on community partners. Researchers in this study conducted qualitative interviews with eight community partners across the United States that were involved with $100 Solution™ student service-learning projects within the past three years. Interviews were transcribed and coded for themes. Results provided insight into the community partners’ perceived and tangible benefits of the students’ projects, community partners’ understanding of the five pillars, partners’ motivation for involvement in the projects, and best practices and perceived barriers to successful partnerships. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.