This qualitative study was conducted to explore student perceptions of service learning as well as the importance of service learning to community college students. Data were collected through interviews with 24 community college participants from Virginia Highlands Community College and Mountain Empire Community College, both in southwest Virginia. Nonstandard interviews were conducted in phases, depending upon the availability of and convenience for the participants. Findings showed that students involved in service learning experienced many outcomes, ranging from hands-on experience, and social and academic benefits, especially in the area of accounting, civic responsibility, personal efficacy, civic mindedness and community building, developing a meaningful philosophy about life, appreciation for diversity, altruism, and student autonomy. Findings also showed that time, family, and job responsibilities seemed to be the reasons more students did not get involved. Students were also concerned about the lack of enthusiasm from instructors. They said there would be more student participation if lab time, such as biology or other science labs, were built into the service hours. Appended are the informed consent form, a letter of introduction, a demographic data sheet, a student interview guide, and an auditor's report. (Contains 120 references.) (Author/EMH)