Service learning is an instructional methodology that encourages and facilitates student involvement in settings where they can apply academic knowledge and previous experiences to meet community needs. The community benefits from service learning through the contribution of well-rounded citizens who will ultimately enter the workforce, the university benefits because of increased exposure and publicity, and students receive opportunities for personal development. Agencies that agree to accept service learning students benefit from volunteers who can do real work and assist the organization with its mission. Criminal justice educators should carefully structure service learning written assignments and classroom discussions to include a reflect component, the primary goal being to encourage students to apply abstract theoretical concepts to real-life situations. When correctly orchestrated, service learning projects should bridge the gap between classroom presentations of concepts, facts, and ideas and student experiences. 15 references