Service learning –as part of a broader approach to university community engagement- has been identified as an effective learning strategy in higher education to integrate academic knowledge, skills development and community service. This paper presents a multiple case study in order to explore the process and outcomes of service-learning projects carried out by undergraduate students guided by faculty of a private university in partnership with different NGOs and communities in a city in the centre of Mexico. Specifically, seven projects aligned with a Sustainable Development Goal were analysed to find the tendencies and insights regarding: project overviews; project context, development and management in collaboration with community partners; student learning in community-based projects; project outcomes and impacts; and lessons learned. The projects were diverse, each with specific purposes and benefits for the community depending on the type of activities. Nonetheless, the projects were an effective learning strategy for students, as well as a concrete contribution to the community. The findings align with the literature, suggesting that service-learning academic projects contribute to academic learning, skills development and benefiting the community.

Keywords: Service-learning, Sustainable Development Goals, higher education, case study, Mexico, private university.