This article describes an urban high school's response to gun violence, chronicling how the school's mission, full-service community orientation, and commitment to authentic cariño (caring) allowed students to respond to grief and tragedy and develop an ongoing peace building movement that seeks to transform students' lives and the communities…

The New Mexico Rural Revitalization Initiative (NMRRI), an innovative program to enhance the growth and development of rural communities, involves schools and students as part of a holistic approach. The program requires community members to take responsibility for revitalizing their economy and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among students.

The main purpose of Project DEEP (Detroit Energy Education Project) was to organize and transmit useful energy information to the lowest income communities of Detroit. The schools were the primary vehicle for transmitting the information. (Author/IRT)

In 1995, Public Agenda and the Institute for Educational Leadership joined forces to develop a means for citizens, community leaders, and educators to hold public conversations on issues facing America's schools. Conversations help community members build common ground for improving schools. Success hinges on credible local sponsors, group…

Describes the Community Service Internship program at East Lyme (Connecticut) High School. The program is designed to help students understand the needs of various segments of the local population while allowing them to engage in community service for a substantial period. (IW)

A week-long special program introduced the students of Northern Cambria High School to their coal-mining heritage and involved members of the coal industry and of the community. (IRT)

Amo DeBernardis, past president of Portland (Oregon) Community College, is interviewed about the college's development and the role of the college in the future. (IRT)

Describes an environmental action program taking place in the schools of five counties in Pennsylvania. The program deals with environmental problems on a practical level and offers technical and consultant assistance to schools and individual teachers. Specific action programs are described. (Author/IRT)

Describes the economics curriculum developed in the Rochester (Minnesota) Public Schools. The curriculum was developed with the aid of the local community and is linked to the community through an advisory committee. Methods of evaluating the curriculum are also discussed. (IRT)

Describes how one district mounted a successful campaign to get its budget passed after the same budget was defeated three months earlier. (IRT)

In rural America, community members are working together to reform education, revitalize communities, and improve the quality of life. This article describes long-term efforts, such as Alabama's PACERS program, Georgia's REAL Enterprises project, and Minnesota's Center for School Change. Smaller-scale efforts in Nebraska, Mississippi, and South…

In reaffirming "The Declaration of Principles" from a 1995 meeting, the Corporation for National Service and the U.S. Department of Education have pledged their commitment to service as a means of improving schools, enhancing student achievement, and meeting citizenship challenges. Programs exemplifying six service-learning principles…

Describes a small (305 students in K-12) school district in Iowa and its relationship to its community. (IRT)

The capstone of a Mennonite school's building community curriculum is its senior public presentation, part of a required nine-week communications course. These 15- to 20-minute presentations before an audience of faculty, parents, and friends allow seniors to reflect on high school experiences. Students share their academic, spiritual, and…