One of the grants is renewable up to four years. Service learning, particularly popular at private and religious schools around the country, had been practiced sporadically in California institutions. But it wasn't until three years ago that the current trend began in the public university system here. It was imported by then-CSU Chancellor Barry Munitz, a member of Campus Compact's national board. Hayden's legislation would establish a Statewide Service Learning Center Program within the state Department of Education to coordinate programs at the individual campuses.
Many educators welcome the move.
At CSUN, the center formalizes the service-learning concept. Rubin heard about the concern of Pacoima residents through Mayor Richard Riordan's office. In her grant applications, she used it as an example and included a letter from Grossman describing the community. In campus labs the students will analyze the water to try to detect the presence of coliforms, salmonella and other bacteria found in animal and human feces. If the water is found to be contaminated, Schillinger said the findings could be used by public or private agencies to address health concerns in Pacoima.