Classrooms without walls - Service learning creates opportunities

Kelsie Woodward was looking for some additional credits when an advisor suggested she try an English class with a service learning component. The freshman from Blue Springs had no idea what service learning was about - classrooms without borders.


Woodward’s group worked with Harvesters, Metro Lutheran Ministry and Kansas City Rescue Mission. The group raised funds, served at fundraisers and interacted with homeless people.

"It was a real eye-opener, talking with those who before were just faceless people who crossed your path," said Woodward. "I learned about myself in many ways and drew upon the values I was raised with. Optimism, caring and willingness to help. As Ghandi said, 'You must be the change you want to see in the world.'"

Service learning allows student to earn credit outside the walls of the classroom. With service-learning courses, students make learning an adventure, experience the real world, serve their community, help others and get credit. Check out the Service Learning facebook page to see students interact with their community.

To see what classes are available, click here.

MCC-Maple Woods in the News! Tax-filing support for low-income families.

MCC-Maple Woods service learning students to prepare free tax returns

MCC-Maple Woods is offering free federal and state income tax preparation for moderate- and low-income households in the Metro area. The free tax preparation sessions will be held Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the MCC-Maple Woods Computer-Business Room 105 Feb. 2-Apr. 13, 2011. There also will be additional sessions from 1-4 p.m. each Friday in Feb. There will be no sessions March 16 and 19 due to spring break. Household income cannot exceed $49,000 to be eligible for free filing.

Participants should bring the following documents with them: Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN) for each family member; valid photo ID from Missouri or Kansas; W-2 forms for all jobs worked in 2010; any 1099 forms for other income received in 2010; childcare provider name, address and tax ID number; any other tax-related document you have received; voided bank check for automatic deposit; and a copy of 2009 tax return. All adults listed on the tax return must be present to sign the forms.

The tax preparations are part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Taxes will be prepared by MCC-Maple Woods accounting students who have been trained and certified by the IRS.