### Question
How does the law define community service?


### Answer
Under *20 U.S.C. § 1070c*, **community service** is defined as:

> services, including direct service, planning, and applied research which are identified by an institution of higher education, through formal or informal consultation with local nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations, and which—


(1) are designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to the needs of such residents, including but not limited to, such fields as health care, child care, education, literacy training, welfare, social services, public safety, crime prevention and control, transportation, recreation, housing and neighborhood improvement, rural development, and community improvement

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 1070c*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 27-NATIONAL VOCATIONAL STUDENT LOAN INSURANCE > SUBCHAPTER IV-STUDENT ASSISTANCE > Part A-Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education > subpart 4-grants to states for state student incentives**

