ABSTRACT
This article explores the relationship between two significant recent developments in higher education – the rise of mental health crises on our campuses and the growth in experiential learning (EL), including local service-learning (SL) activities. However, there is little information regarding the intersection of these areas of theory and practice. In this article, we look at both beneficial and detrimental impacts on students' mental health and well-being, exploring how some students may feel empowered by their SL experiences while others may feel disheartened. Informed by a ‘critical hope' framework and supported by a series of qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups, our discussion further explores opportunities for SL programs to both promote and protect students' mental health, which will become increasingly more important in the aftermath of the COVID-19 global pandemic. © 2023 Tulane University. All rights reserved.