Reclaiming the Power of Bilingualism: Spanish Heritage Learners Using Bilingual Skills in a Critical Service-Learning Project

Studies on the application of service-learning with an emphasis on heritage learners are still emerging. Using a critical service-learning approach, I describe how the integration of a serv-ice-learning project showed heritage learners of Spanish the need for people with their bilingual abil-ities. Specifically, I examine the impact of service-learning and critical language pedagogies on stu-dents' perception and appreciation (or lack thereof) of their linguistic abilities. A qualitative analysis of self-reported answers to a biographical questionnaire and a final guided reflection, revealed that heritage learners not only gained confidence in their linguistic skills but also advanced their knowl-edge of the language and cultures while challenging and disrupting inequities that exist in a Latinx community. This study contributes to an emerging literature on the application of critical service -learning approaches to service-learning in heritage language learners' courses by showing the benefits and challenges of incorporating a project that sought mutual benefits for all stakeholders involved. It also contributes to documenting ways to create access to service-learning during the pandemic and how service-learning projects can be incorporated in courses offered virtually only.