Complete a service-learning project that benefits the community.
Completion should include
- definition of community service and service learning
- review of the National Youth Leadership Council’s (NYLC) eight standards for service learning Links to an external site.
- plan for a program or project to address an area of interest and a community need and pre-approval to proceed
- research to support and inform the development of the project
- proposal development and partnership with a local project partner, if applicable
- approval and permission to proceed
- active implementation of the project or program
- a cycle of action and reflection (e.g., feedback, reflection, and partner evaluation assignments).
Process/Skill Questions:
Thinking
- How are community service and service learning the same? Different?
- Who benefits from service learning?
- What types of needs can be addressed through service learning?
- What are the benefits of participating in a community service project? To the individual? The community? The organization?
- What needs exist in my community?
- How can I identify the needs in my community?
- What organizations serve my community?
Communication
- How can one recruit volunteers to a project?
- How can you obtain resources?
- How can you identify a need in the community?
- What steps can I take to partner with an organization?
- What steps can I take to identify and obtain needed volunteers and resources?
- How can I publicize my project?
Leadership
- What leadership skills will help you plan and execute a service-learning project?
- What leadership skills are needed to complete a service-learning project?
Management
- What management strategies can you use to complete the project?
- What resources are needed to complete the project?
Teacher Resources:
- Career and Technical Education High-Quality Work-Based Learning Guide
- Service Learning Section, pages 29-34
- Service Learning Needs Assessment and Initial Research, Appendix D
- Service Learning Project Planning Sheet, Appendix D
- High-Quality Work-Based Learning Training Agreement (required), Appendix A
- High-Quality Work-Based Learning Student Reflection, Appendix A
- Service Learning Project Partner Evaluation, Appendix D