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Developing Global Leaders Through Service Learning in Puerto Rico

Program Overview

The Leadership Club of SDSU has been awarded Student Success Fee (SSF) funding to send 8 student leaders to Puerto Rico for a week‑long, high‑impact service‑learning program. Through our partnership with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), students will engage in meaningful community development work while expanding their leadership knowledge and broadening their cultural perspectives.

This program is designed to immerse students in real‑world leadership practice, strengthen cultural humility, and deepen their understanding of ethical, community‑centered service.

The Leadership Impact of This Program

Attending this program matters because real leadership is built through experience. By serving in Puerto Rico, our student leaders step outside their comfort zones, engage with diverse communities, and practice leadership through hands‑on service, cultural immersion, and reflection. This experience strengthens empathy, adaptability, and global awareness—skills essential for creating positive change at SDSU and beyond.

What Our Students will Experience

During the program, SDSU students will engage in:

  • Hands‑on community development work

  • Youth programming and educational support

  • Environmental and neighborhood revitalization projects

  • Cultural immersion and historical learning

  • Daily leadership reflection and guided discussions

  • Collaborative teamwork in unfamiliar environments

  • Problem‑solving and adaptability challenges

  • Learning from Puerto Rican community leaders

Program Details 

  • Dates — March 27 – April 3, 2027

  • Location — Puerto Rico (multiple community development sites)

  • Partner Organization — International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

  • Funding — Fully supported through the Student Success Fee (SSF)

  • Participants — 8 SDSU student leaders

If you want to learn more about the partner organization, visit IVHQ’s Puerto Rico page: https://www.volunteerhq.org/destinations/puerto-rico/

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Eligibility & Participation Requirements

Participation in the Puerto Rico service‑learning program is reserved for student leaders who demonstrate commitment, consistency, and a willingness to grow. To ensure fairness and meaningful engagement, the following criteria apply:

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  • Must be 18 years or older

  • Top point earners: The top 8 student leaders from the Fall 2026 Lead By Example Point System will be selected to attend.

  • Active spring involvement: By accepting a spot, students agree to remain actively involved in the Leadership Club during Spring 2027, which includes:

    • Attending at least two meetings per month

    • Participating in one volunteering activity every six weeks

  • Mandatory pre‑departure meetings: All participants must attend the monthly pre‑departure meetings leading up to the trip to ensure preparation, safety, and team cohesion.

  • Required reflection presentation: Students must be present for the end‑of‑semester reflection presentation, where they will share their learning with SDSU students.

  • Commitment to expectations: These expectations are non‑negotiable and ensure the opportunity benefits both the participants and the broader SDSU community.

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What’s Included

  • Round‑trip flights

  • All meals during the program

  • Program fee (through IVHQ)

  • Hostel accommodations

  • Local transportation for service activities

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What’s Not Included

  • Background check required by IVHQ (approx. $20)

  • Personal purchases (souvenirs, etc.)

  • Optional excursions that the group chooses to participate in

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Lead by Example Point System

  • Club Meetings (1 point)

    • Bring a friend for their first time (1 point) (max 3)

  • Coffee shop study session (2 points)

  • Volunteering (3 points) 

  • Socials (2 points)

  • Leadership Connects Event (4 points)

  • Spirit Competition Participation (1 point per event participated in)

  • Community Engagement Points (2 Points)

    • Only count from September 2 - December 8 (Photo evidence with member in the photo) 

      • Attend an Aztec Unity Project 

      • Attend Glazer Center Workshop/Event 

      • Career Fair / Networking even​​​​

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Images from IVHQ’s Puerto Rico Projects

Photos courtesy of IVHQ. SDSU trip photos will be added after the program

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