New York Metro Area Partnership for Service-Learning (NYMAPS)
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is NYMAPS?
The New York Metro Area Partnership for Service-Learning (NYMAPS) is a coalition of colleges, universities and community-based organizations dedicated to realizing the civic mission of higher education and to advancing service-learning and other forms of civic engagement across the region. NYMAPS promotes experiential learning, active citizenship, and social responsibility among college students and addresses community-identified needs by facilitating the formation of campus-community partnerships that are sustainable and mutually-beneficial.


2. What does NYMAPS do?
NYMAPS members gather five times a year for professional development, idea sharing, and support. Quarterly meetings focus on important topics in the fields of service-learning and campus-community partnerships. An annual symposium brings together campus and community stakeholders to present on activities and outcomes.

3. Who are NYMAPS members?
Current members include City College of New York (CUNY), Columbia University, Friends of Thirteen, Inc., International YMCA, Lehman College (CUNY), Marymount Manhattan College, New York Institute of Technology, New York University, University Settlement, Wagner College (Staten Island), West Harlem Group Assistance, and York College.

4. I represent a community-based organization—why should I join NYMAPS?
Through NYMAPS, community organizations can connect to a network of institutions, faculty, and students throughout New York City. NYMAPS’ professional development meetings help build organizations’ capacity to participate in service-learning. Membership can increase organizations’ visibility and help to promote their missions.

5. I represent a higher education institution—why should I join NYMAPS?
NYMAPS’ goal is develop strong, sustainable service-learning programming on both college campuses and within community partner organizations. We achieve this mission by sharing expertise and providing professional development and technical assistance to members. Many of our meetings focus on our meetings professional development topics of interest to faculty, such as "Assessing Student Learning Outcomes in Service-Learning," and "Promotion, Tenure & Advancement Strategies." Additionally we facilitate consultations and offer a Working Paper Series.

6. What is the process for joining?
To join, fill out the membership form on the NYMAPS website. Applicants are requested to
submit a letter of interest to the NYMAPS Advisory Board, outlining existing service-learning, civic engagement, and campus-community partnership activities or structures, a brief history of these efforts; a description of future plans/goals in this areas; and a statement of interest. The NYMAPS advisory board reviews the applications on a rolling basis.

7. I am not a member, may I receive the NYMAPS Bulletin?
Yes. Please send your name and contact information to the Center's director of service-learning and civic engagement below.

8. Whom should I contact for more information about NYMAPS?
Please contact Genéa Stewart, director of service-learning and civic engagement, 212-650-6335