According to the National Commission on Service-Learning, service-learning differs from volunteerism in that it is designed to be, "a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities."

The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, or NSLC, defines servicelearning as, "a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities."