The authors discuss the concept of a good community service program and argue that such a program challenges students to think about the meaning of their volunteer experiences. Several examples are presented from students' reactions to their volunteer experiences to illustrate this point. (CH)

Describes the efforts of St. Paul's School in Concord (New Hampshire) to join with local agencies and public schools to provide students with practical experiences and advanced programs. For its 125th anniversary, St. Paul's sponsored a series of seminar discussions on school effectiveness that included a national group of scholars. (WD)

Student volunteerism can include direct service, research and community education, and advocacy service. Alert observation and informed questioning are at the heart of learning from nonclassroom experience. (Author/MLF)

This speech promotes student involvement in community service activities. The notions of traditional American volunteerism and community spirit support the idea of students devoting their afterschool talents and energy to helpful endeavors such as tutoring, visiting nursing homes, planting trees, cleaning up ocean shores and river banks, clearing…

Discusses the Early Adolescent Helper program, which was designed to provide a safe and positive after-school environment for young people. In this program, 10- to 15-year-olds serve in day care, Head Start, latchkey programs, and at senior centers. (RJC)

This article describes two mental health programs which are staffed by student trained volunteers. One of these is a student-run hot line which provides information and referrals to community services. Another program has high school students teaching elementary school children the properties and effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. (SJL)

The development of young people is the mission of the student council. The projects described in this booklet are intended as resources for council development and can be modified to suit individual school programs. Many of the projects are presented in detail to emphasize opportunities for the involvement of many students and to focus on the…

The Voluntary Reading Center Project was designed to extend regular reading center activities beyond normal school hours in order to serve more students. A total of 101 students in nine secondary schools received instruction for one semester; a total of 100 students in three secondary schools received instruction for two semesters. The project was…

In Knoxville, Illinois, high school students are learning child care skills, helping teachers, and saving the schools money. The aim of the program is to teach high school students responsibility. (Author/TE)

Prominent school-to-work observers see a close connection between service-learning and school-to-work programs. Major components of service-learning are as follows: active student participation, thoughtfully organized experiences, focus on community needs and school/community coordination, academic curriculum integration, structured time for…

Describes the development of service learning in a special school for students with learning, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Discusses the poor self-image that many troubled youth possess and suggest ways to help students refocus on their good qualities through service work. Outlines service partnerships and a service culture. (RJM)

A study examined differences between 30 high school students who participated in a peer buddy program with peers with severe disabilities and 30 who chose not to volunteer. After one semester, participants showed greater social willingness to interact with those with disabilities, greater knowledge of disabilities, and increased contact scores.…

A study used data from the 1996 National Household Education Survey, Youth Civic Involvement component, to determine how students in grades 6-12 were involved in community service activities and how schools might encourage community service participation and integrate it with classroom learning. Some of the results are as follows: (1) about half…

This packet contains lesson plans with real-life service projects that students can do throughout the school year, from September 2000 to August 2001. The lesson plans in the packet provide teachers with flexibility to offer them to students as young as grade 5 and as old as grade 12. The lesson plans, although essentially social studies, service…