Is a method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the need of communities.
Is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or community service program in the community.
Helps foster civic responsibility.
Is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the education components of the community service program in which the participants enrolled.
Provides structured time for students or participants to reflect on the service experience.
(National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993)
What Does Service-Learning Look Like?
Examples of service-learning projects include:
- Preserving native plants
- Teaching younger children to read
- Testing the local water quality
- Drought awareness and conservation
- Citizenship programs
- Taxpayer awareness
- Creating wheelchair ramps
- Downtown farmer's markets
- Public safety awareness/programs
- Starting recycling programs
- and much more!
Why is Service-Learning Important?
A national study of Learn and Serve America programs suggests that effective service-learning programs:
- Improve academic grades
- Increase attendance in school
- Develop personal and social responsibility
Whether the goal is academic improvement, personal development, or both, students learn:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Civic responsibility
- Mathematical reasoning
- Problem solving
- Public speaking
- Vocational skills
- Computer skills
- Scientific method
- Research skills
- Analysis