Illinois Governor Connects Service and Learning

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced his proposal to include 40 hours of community service in the state's high school graduation requirements. The proposed legislation, which was outlined as part of the governor's State of the State address on January 15, would also create a foundation to assist schools in implementing the requirement and ensure that adequate funding is available. The governor's office estimates that the initiative would require $6 million in fiscal year 2005 for block grants to schools. As every community is unique, the governor's proposal allows each school district the freedom to determine what qualifies as community service.

"I extend my congratulations on Governor Blagojevich's foresight to provide the youths of Illinois with opportunities for community service. Such opportunities can instill values of caring and citizenship, helping young people cross the bridge into adulthood as contributing members of a democratic society," says NYLC President and CEO James Kielsmeier. "To ensure that the benefits of community service are realized, research has shown that good supervision, preparation and follow-up activities are essential. Moreover, integrating service with academic content through service-learning has proved successful in many schools, including a number of Illinois schools that are nationally recognized."

If the proposed legislation passes, Illinois will become the second state to make community service mandatory. Maryland was the first.