Pre-Collegiate Preparation
Learn and Serve America: K-12 School-Based Program (LSA)
What is service-learning?
School-based service-learning combines meaningful service to the community with classroom studies in a way that improves student learning and strengthens the community. Students work in collaboration with community members, teachers, and classmates to meet real community needs, while learning more about math, science, language arts, social studies, and other subjects, as well as civic responsibility and effective citizenship.
If you are interested in Service Learning for your school and do not currently have a program, or are looking for additional assistance in your area, contact the Regional Network coordinator from the list below:
- 2010-2011 Learn and Serve America Projects and Regional Networks Listing
(24KB) - Learn and Serve America program fact sheet (78KB)
Is service-learning just another word for community service?
No. The link to specific curriculum objectives distinguishes service-learning from community service and volunteerism. While community service and volunteerism may have much in common with service-learning, they cannot be defined as service-learning. The service-learning process explicitly involves preparation, action, reflection, and celebration. Service-learning is not an add-on program. It is an instructional methodology infused into the school's curriculum.
How does service-learning fulfill state learning standards? 
What does service-learning look like?
An example of a service-learning class is as follows. Students in a high school biology class study ecosystems in general. Then students reinforce their knowledge through visits to a local ecosystem. They study soil and water composition and the impact of industrial development. They also use their findings to promote the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem through an awareness campaign and community cleanups. Throughout this service-learning class, students reflect and discuss the project's impact on their lives and the lives of local community members.
Our service-learning projects
New York Learn & Serve supports a multiple of service-learning projects in areas as diverse as education, public safety, health and human needs, and the environment. Currently there are 36,000 students K-12 engaged in NYLS service-learning programs across NY State. In addition to our regular school-based service-learning programs and regional programs, each year we sponsor conferences and statewide projects.
for Further Information contact
Learn and Serve Program
PreCollegiate Preparation Programs and Scholarships Unit
New York State Education Department
Room 967, Education Building Addition
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 486-5202
E-mail: kiap@mail.nysed.gov
-
Service Learning : The Classroom Companion to Character Education
A Resource Guide for Teachers & Facilitators
by Arlene Ida and Jean Rose -
-
If you are interested in Service Learning for your school and do not currently have a program, or are looking for additional assistance in your area, contact the Regional Network coordinator from the list:
- SED fiscal forms
- FS-20 in Excel
(79KB)
-
Learn and Serve RFP and Supporting Documents 2009-2012
(694KB)