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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from Individuals about Learn and Serve America.
What is service-learning?
Service-learning offers a unique opportunity for America's young people -- from kindergarten to university students -- to get involved with their communities in a tangible way by integrating service projects with classroom learning. Service-learning engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. Students not only learn about democracy and citizenship, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform.
Service-learning can be applied across all subjects and grade levels; it can involve a single student or group of students, a classroom or an entire school. Students build character and become active participants as they work with others in their school and community to create service projects in areas like education, public safety, and the environment.
What are some examples of service-learning projects?
A social studies teacher in a community where historical monuments are in disrepair could develop a project in which students work with the local historical society to find ways to repair them. In the process, the students would research local history, create exhibits for the public, further their civic understanding, and even learn preservation techniques.
A science teacher in an urban area with little access to fresh produce could teach students about botany, biology, and agricultural practices by having them build and maintain a community garden. The students might even set up a vegetable stand, where they could put into practice the concepts they are learning in their math or economics classes.
A Spanish teacher in an area with a growing Spanish-speaking population could develop a service-learning project to translate brochures and fliers put out by local service groups or schools. This would not only give students an opportunity to hone their language skills, but also to learn more about Hispanic culture.
I’m a teacher looking for service-learning curricula. Where can I find them?
Learn and Serve America’s National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) is America’s most comprehensive resource for service-learning curricula and training publications, sample forms, funding notices, effective practices, and much more. NSLC’s Service-Learning Ideas and Curricular Examples (SLICE) database contains hundreds of lesson plans, syllabi, and project ideas from service-learning educators around the country. Have curricula to share? Send them in!
How can I get individualized assistance with service-learning?
Contact the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-866-245-SERV (7378) or e-mail info@servicelearning.org.
How do I sign up to receive newsletters and other updates about Learn and Serve America and national and community service?
Visit the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse for a range of ways to stay connected with Learn and Serve America and the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse. Visit the Resource Center for a listing of newsletters produced by the Corporation for National and Community Service and other service-learning and national service organizations.
I’m a student and am looking for volunteer opportunities. Where can I find them?
If you don’t have a service-learning project in your school, there are other ways you can start volunteering right now.
- Interested in volunteering after school or participating in a local service-learning or service project in your community? See the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse.
- Interested in an intensive service opportunity? Visit AmeriCorps.gov.
- Interested in a short-term volunteer opportunity? Visit Serve.gov.
I'm interested in ordering Learn and Serve America gear such as T-shirts and sweatshirts. Where do I place my order?
Visit the National Service Catalog where you can purchase identity items online or download an order form.
Do you administer scholarship or awards programs?
The Presidential Freedom Scholarship Program promoted student service and civic engagement. These scholarships, funded in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency, recognized high school students for outstanding leadership in service to their community and neighbors.
This program accepted its last application in 2007
and is no longer accepting applications.
All students who have earned a Presidential Freedom Scholarship have up to seven years from the date of the Scholarship award to claim their funds. To receive instructions on how to claim their Presidential Freedom Scholarship, students should send email or any questions to PFS@cns.gov.
Through AmeriCorps, upon successful completion of service individuals can earn an AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to pay for college or repay eligible student loans. Find out more about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award was created to recognize the tens of millions of Americans who have made a sustained commitment to volunteer service. This Presidential recognition program honors Americans of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer service. Learn more about the President's Volunteer Service Award.
The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse also provides a listing of scholarship opportunities of possible interest to youth leading through service-learning.
For organizations looking for additional funding for service-learning see the NSLC funding sources listing and subscribe to the ongoing competition feed.
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