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The 2006 Gulf Coast WalkAbout (PDF, 180 KB)
A Promising Summer School Program
In the summer of 2006, NYLC's WalkAbout program engaged youths from the hurricane-ravaged Gulf region in rebuilding their communities. This article looks at the program's history, details from WalkAbout service-learning projects, and civic and academic outcomes. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Advancing Youth Academic Success, School Engagement, and International Leadership through Service-Learning (PDF, 179 KB)
Taking as its starting point a recent report from the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, this article argues that student academic achievement is not determined solely by classroom experiences, but also requires that schools nurture student development across social, personal, civic, and career domains. It also shows how service-learning has great promise as a strategy for educating the whole child. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Taking as its starting point a recent report from the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, this article argues that student academic achievement is not determined solely by classroom experiences, but also requires that schools nurture student development across social, personal, civic, and career domains. It also shows how service-learning has great promise as a strategy for educating the whole child. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Bridging from High School to College (PDF, 139 KB)
Findings From the 2004 CIRP Freshman Survey
The Cooperative Institutional Research Program at UCLA reports the percentage of college freshmen who were required to participate in service or service-learning to graduate high school. Some correlations are drawn between high school academic achievement, service-learning, and college success and lifelong service. (Growing to Greatness 2005)
Can Service-Learning Help Reduce the Achievement Gap? (PDF, 214 KB)
New Research Points Toward the Potential of Service-Learning for Low-Income Students
Review of recent research and literature about the effectiveness of service-learning methodology. Main findings related to low-income students, service-learning quality, principal support in low-income schools, and closing the achievement gap between low-income and high-income students are illuminated with statistics and descriptive research results. (Growing to Greatness 2005)
Community Service and Service-Learning in Public Schools (PDF, 201 KB)
Preliminary Findings
Highlights from the results of a national study of 1,799 public school principals about the level of student participation in service-learning and community service. Accompanied by graphs, statistics, and characteristics of the study, these findings indicate the value of high-quality service-learning experiences and the next steps for the service-learning field. (Growing to Greatness 2004)
Community Service and Service-Learning in U.S. Public Schools (PDF, 495 KB)
Findings From a National Survey
The full results of a national study of 1,799 public school principals about the level of student participation in service-learning and community service. These findings indicate the value of high-quality service-learning experiences and the next steps for the service-learning field. A summary of this survey is also available from the Resource Center.
The Effectiveness of Service-Learning in After-school Programs (PDF, 134 KB)
A report on Youth Service California's California After-school Service-Learning program. Program sites serving at-risk youths participated in ongoing research to measure the effects of after-school service-learning on student developmental assets and connectedness to school. Researchers found that after-school service-learning participants' scores on measures of developmental assets and school connectedness were higher than California norms. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
A report on Youth Service California's California After-school Service-Learning program. Program sites serving at-risk youths participated in ongoing research to measure the effects of after-school service-learning on student developmental assets and connectedness to school. Researchers found that after-school service-learning participants' scores on measures of developmental assets and school connectedness were higher than California norms. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Equity in Service-Learning (PDF, 169 KB)
Comparing Scope, Institutionalization, and Quality Across Low-Income Urban and Suburban Schools
Learning in U.S. Public Schools, a 2004 Growing to Greatness survey of principals. The authors assess the differences in scope, quality, and institutionalization of service-learning in high- and low-poverty urban and suburban schools. Statistical charts included. This article was commissioned by NYLC through the Growing to Greatness 2005 Research Prize. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Faith Communities (PDF, 255 KB)
Untapped Allies in Service-Learning
Analysis of the state of service-learning within faith communities, identification of upcoming studies on the topic, a call for further research, and discussion of challenges to integrating service-learning into faith communities. (The Generator, April 2003)
A Framework for Further Research (PDF, 147 KB)
The Community Impacts of Service-Learning
It is a challenge to measure the financial, emotional, and educational impact of service-learning on those that have been served. This article proposes measurement strategies and areas for future research in this under-analyzed area of the service-learning field. Includes highlights from a national YMCA study. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Growing to Greatness 2004 (PDF, 1 MB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of service-learning in kindergarten through 12th grade. This is the first report in that study.
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of service-learning in kindergarten through 12th grade. This is the first report in that study.
Growing to Greatness 2005 (PDF, 2 MB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of service-learning in kindergarten through 12th grade. This is the second report in that study.
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of service-learning in kindergarten through 12th grade. This is the second report in that study.
Growing to Greatness 2006 (PDF, 3 MB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of service-learning in kindergarten through 12th grade. This is the third report.
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of service-learning in kindergarten through 12th grade. This is the third report.
Growing to Greatness 2007 (PDF, 1 MB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of K-12 service-learning. This is the fourth report.
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of K-12 service-learning. This is the fourth report.
Growing to Greatness 2008 (PDF, 4 MB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of K-12 service-learning. The report gathers research and perspectives on service-learning practice and policy from the top thinkers in the movement. This is the sixth report.
Growing to Greatness 2009 (PDF, 2 MB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project is the first ongoing national study of K-12 service-learning. The report gathers research and perspectives on service-learning practice and policy from the top thinkers in the movement. This is the seventh report.
Growing to Greatness: An Introduction (PDF, 772 KB)
The Generator, April 2003
The 42-page introduction to Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project, the first ongoing national study of the state of service-learning in kindergarten through 12th grade. Includes research and calls to action. (The Generator, April 2003)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service Learning Project 2004 (PDF, 59 KB)
Executive Summary
Provides brief overview of "Growing to Greatness 2004," including preliminary findings of the national principals survey, a review of kindergarten-through-twelfth-grade research, Search Institute findings about service-learning as a "gateway asset", reflections about federal Learn and Serve America programs, and state profiles.
Heads, Hearts, Hands (PDF, 212 KB)
The Research on K-12 Service-Learning
Thorough review and summary of national service-learning research studies and programs from the field. Organized with a "heads, hearts, and hands" theme: heads=academic achievement and related issues, hearts=personal development, and hands=civics and citizen action. Key resource for assessing the broad field of service-learning practice in 2004. (Growing to Greatness 2004)
The Impact of Service-Learning on the Transition to Adulthood (PDF, 557 KB)
Highlights findings from the NYLC-Harris Interactive National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood. Focus is on the relationship between the factors that support a healthy transition to adulthood and the positive attributes gained by high school students engaged in service-learning. Useful statistics, graphs, and evidence from this nationally representative study are included. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Highlights findings from the NYLC-Harris Interactive National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood. Focus is on the relationship between the factors that support a healthy transition to adulthood and the positive attributes gained by high school students engaged in service-learning. Useful statistics, graphs, and evidence from this nationally representative study are included. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
K-12 Service Learning Impacts (PDF, 170 KB)
A Review of State-Level Studies of Service-Learning
Description of state-level service-learning research project including three-page matrix and results. Information about promising research models and areas of need for future research studies. (Growing to Greatness 2005)
Learning that Lasts (PDF, 130 KB)
Integrating and Sustaining Service-Learning through State and District Policy, Practice, and Capacity
Research from five states, done over a seven-years period, has revealed common practices that support and sustain service-learning at the district and school level: vision and leadership, curriculum integration, professional development, partnership and community, continuous improvement. This article provides clear examples and suggestions in each of these areas. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Lessons from Research on Teaching and Learning (PDF, 151 KB)
Service-Learning As Effective Instruction
Links National Research Council findings about effective teaching and learning to service-learning methodology. Makes the case that high-quality service-learning methods must be implemented in order to achieve academic results. Helpful chart correlates the research with implications for high-quality service-learning practice. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Measure What Matters, and No Child Will Be Left Behind (PDF, 198 KB)
Written by researchers from the National Dropout Prevention Center, this article illustrates how high-stakes testing and other No Child Left Behind accountability measures are not the only indicators of student achievement and educational progress. Some research points out that students have become less engaged in school due to the increased emphasis on testing. Chart listing 15 Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention is included. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Written by researchers from the National Dropout Prevention Center, this article illustrates how high-stakes testing and other No Child Left Behind accountability measures are not the only indicators of student achievement and educational progress. Some research points out that students have become less engaged in school due to the increased emphasis on testing. Chart listing 15 Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention is included. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
The National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood (PDF, 734 KB)
Final Report
The final report from "The National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood," conducted by Harris Interactive for the National Youth Leadership Council. The nationally representative survey included 3,123 U.S. residents ages 18-28, with a wide range of direct and indirect service experiences. Among the key findings in this 129-page document are: Adults who engaged in service-learning in their teenaged years are more likely than their peers to be politically and socially connected to their communities, serve as role models for young adults, engage in service, and attain a higher level of education. Note: This is a research report, rich with graphs, statistics, and figures, intended for those in need of extensive data.
National Surveys Link Service-Learning to Civic Engagement (PDF, 192 KB)
Article showing the connection between two complementary surveys, the Corporations for National and Community Services' "Youth Volunteering and Civic Engagement Survey" and NYLC's "National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood." Both surveys indicate that the quality of service-learning directly correlates to levels of academic achievement, civic engagement, and personal development. (The Generator, Summer 2006).
Article showing the connection between two complementary surveys, the Corporations for National and Community Services' "Youth Volunteering and Civic Engagement Survey" and NYLC's "National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood." Both surveys indicate that the quality of service-learning directly correlates to levels of academic achievement, civic engagement, and personal development. (The Generator, Summer 2006).
The New Mexico Blueprint for Civic Engagement (PDF, 84 KB)
A summary of New Mexico's effort to create a statewide framework for civic engagement. Greg Webb of the New Mexico Commission for Community Volunteerism presents an overview of a groundbreaking document that will guide civic-engagement policy efforts in New Mexico for years to come. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
A summary of New Mexico's effort to create a statewide framework for civic engagement. Greg Webb of the New Mexico Commission for Community Volunteerism presents an overview of a groundbreaking document that will guide civic-engagement policy efforts in New Mexico for years to come. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
The Power of Service-Learning in Urban Settings (PDF, 139 KB)
An Interview with Patricia Harvey
An interview with Patricia Harvey, former Superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools. Harvey offers her perspective on the benefits of service-learning along with advice on how to address the challenges of implementation. According to Harvey, service-learning is a particularly effective method for reaching at-risk students because it encourages them to apply their academic learning to the world outside the classroom. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Profiles of Community-Based Service-Learning in the United States (PDF, 170 KB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project
Twenty-two profiles of community-based service-learning, current for 2004-2005. Each community-based organization has its own entry. (Growing to Greatness 2004 and 2005)
The Promise of Service-Learning (PDF, 108 KB)
A look at service-learning as a strategy for overcoming the growing divide in the level of civic engagement between more- and less-educated citizens. The article makes the case that well-designed service-learning projects keep students on track to graduate and promote greater community involvement by connecting student learning with real community needs. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
A look at service-learning as a strategy for overcoming the growing divide in the level of civic engagement between more- and less-educated citizens. The article makes the case that well-designed service-learning projects keep students on track to graduate and promote greater community involvement by connecting student learning with real community needs. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Resources for Recovery (PDF, 304 KB)
Young People, Service, Learning, and Disasters
Two leaders from the service-learning field traveled to the Gulf Coast soon after the devastation of the 2005 hurricane season to meet the educators and young leaders involved in the recovery process. This article describes the various programs and initiatives that are being developed to engage genuine youth voices in rebuilding the region. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Service to Others (PDF, 179 KB)
A "Gateway Asset" for School Success and Healthy Development
New analysis of the Search Institute's study of adolescent development trends reveals service-learning as a "gateway asset" for 14 out of the 40 identified developmental assets. Developmental assets have been identified in the past as indicators for building resilience, and predictive factors for school success and academic achievement in young people. (Growing to Greatness 2004)
Service-Learning Preparation in Preservice Teacher Education (PDF, 141 KB)
Analysis of the degree of service-learning methodology taught in undergraduate teacher education programs across the country and the challenges to increasing use of service-learning in teacher preparation. (The Generator, April 2003)
Analysis of the degree of service-learning methodology taught in undergraduate teacher education programs across the country and the challenges to increasing use of service-learning in teacher preparation. (The Generator, April 2003)
Service-Learning Research (PDF, 116 KB)
What Have We Learned from the Past
Five of the most influential service-learning research reviews and studies are summarized. They also suggest direction for future study. (Growing to Greatness 2005)
Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood (PDF, 614 KB)
Article analyzing data from the NYLC-Harris Interactive National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood. Among the key findings the author highlights: Adults who engaged in service-learning in their teenaged years are more likely than their peers to be politically and socially connected to their communities, serve as role models for young adults, engage in service, and attain a higher level of education. (Harris Interactive's Trends and Tudes, April 2006).br />
Article analyzing data from the NYLC-Harris Interactive National Survey on Service-Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood. Among the key findings the author highlights: Adults who engaged in service-learning in their teenaged years are more likely than their peers to be politically and socially connected to their communities, serve as role models for young adults, engage in service, and attain a higher level of education. (Harris Interactive's Trends and Tudes, April 2006).br />
Service-Learning by the Numbers (PDF, 40 KB)
Statistics current for 2006 illustrate the widespread interest in and benefits of service-learning. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Statistics current for 2006 illustrate the widespread interest in and benefits of service-learning. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Service-Learning for Homeland Security and Disaster Relief (PDF, 133 KB)
A Report from Learn and Serve America
An article from Learn and Serve America highlighting service-learning programs that involve young people in homeland security and disaster relief. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Service-Learning in Higher Education (PDF, 129 KB)
Trends, Research and Resources
Overview of the history and current state of service-learning in higher education. Includes a time line of significant legislation, data on current participation in service-learning and civics on campuses, and descriptions of leading organizations and contact information. (The Generator, April 2003)
Service-Learning in K-12 Education (PDF, 83 KB)
Origin, Impacts, and Educational Reform
Filled with pie charts and statistics, this article brings to light key areas for service-learning practitioners to consider. One of its main points is that service-learning will enjoy wide support only if it is publicized more. This includes publishing more action research on service-learning's positive impacts in kindergarten-through-twelfth-grade education and explaining the potential social capital that service-learning can cultivate. (The Generator, April 2003)
Service-Learning in Urban Settings (PDF, 161 KB)
Profiles of model service-learning programs in urban schools, with a look at the highly successful Digital Miracles program in Philadelphia and a social justice program at Benito Juarez Community Academy in Chicago. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Profiles of model service-learning programs in urban schools, with a look at the highly successful Digital Miracles program in Philadelphia and a social justice program at Benito Juarez Community Academy in Chicago. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Service-Learning: A Context for Parent and Family Involvement (PDF, 108 KB)
Research and best practices from the fields of service-learning and parental and family involvement in schools share many commonalities, which are highlighted in this article. This article includes helpful charts, with strategies for educators to engage parents and for students and parents to initiate school partnerships. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
Research and best practices from the fields of service-learning and parental and family involvement in schools share many commonalities, which are highlighted in this article. This article includes helpful charts, with strategies for educators to engage parents and for students and parents to initiate school partnerships. (Growing to Greatness 2006)
State Service-Learning Profiles (PDF, 421 KB)
Growing to Greatness: The State of Service-Learning Project
State of service-learning in 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Current for 2004-2006. Each state and territory has its own entry, and includes qualitative and quantitative data. (Growing to Greatness 2004- 2006)
State of Service-Learning Research (PDF, 157 KB)
A Phenomenological Approach
Academic article on the history of service-learning research trends. Includes descriptions of promising research methods, models, and areas for new research. (The Generator, April 2003)
Symbiosis: When Service-Learning Meets the Work of Howard Gardner (PDF, 135 KB)
The publication of Howard Gardner's book, "Frames of Mind," coincidentally paralleled the start of the service-learning movement in 1983. The theory of multiple intelligences has been embraced by service-learning practitioners for years, and this article examines the relationship between Gardner's recent work on the GoodWorks Project and the Essential Elements for Effective Service-Learning Practice, which were established in 1999 by NYLC. (Growing to Greatness 2005)
The publication of Howard Gardner's book, "Frames of Mind," coincidentally paralleled the start of the service-learning movement in 1983. The theory of multiple intelligences has been embraced by service-learning practitioners for years, and this article examines the relationship between Gardner's recent work on the GoodWorks Project and the Essential Elements for Effective Service-Learning Practice, which were established in 1999 by NYLC. (Growing to Greatness 2005)
Toward Research-Based Standards for K-12 Service-Learning (PDF, 165 KB)
The history of efforts to define service-learning best practice. This article includes a chart of the eight Principles of Effective Practice for K-12 Service-Learning and a timeline capturing events of the service-learning standards movement. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
The history of efforts to define service-learning best practice. This article includes a chart of the eight Principles of Effective Practice for K-12 Service-Learning and a timeline capturing events of the service-learning standards movement. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Unpacking What Works in Service-Learning (PDF, 182 KB)
Promising Research-Based Practices to Improve Student Outcomes
Summary of research supporting the eight Principles of Effective Practice for K-12 Service-Learning. Each principle is defined and supported with the most current research. Included in this article are examples of how each principle can be incorporated into classroom practice. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Walkabout (PDF, 142 KB)
Learning from Others
This article focuses on innovative educational programs that provide youths with "rites of passage" to help facilitate their transitions to adulthood. Programs examined include the Escuelas Nuevas of Latin America, Breakthrough to Literacy in Africa, Australian Aboriginal Walkabout, Colorado's Jefferson County Open School, and NYLC's Gulf Coast WalkAbout. The article also addresses ways lessons from these program may apply to education in the United States. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Youth Civic Contributions Indicators (PDF, 165 KB)
A state-by-state outline of youth civic contributions. This is the latest iteration of NYLC's efforts to capture the scope, scale, and impact of service-learning across the states. Indicators include volunteer rates, military and AmeriCorps service, youth voting, youth advisory boards, a media scan, an institutionalization index, and Learn and Serve grant data. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
A state-by-state outline of youth civic contributions. This is the latest iteration of NYLC's efforts to capture the scope, scale, and impact of service-learning across the states. Indicators include volunteer rates, military and AmeriCorps service, youth voting, youth advisory boards, a media scan, an institutionalization index, and Learn and Serve grant data. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Youth Perspectives (PDF, 91 KB)
How Young People Improve Their Communities
Results from a nationally representative Harris Interactive survey of young people ages 8 to 18, in which youths were asked, "In what ways do you help make your community a better place to live?" Responses reveal the diversity of youths' thoughts about how they contribute and suggest that adults need to do more to help young people recognize the valuable roles they can play in their communities. (Growing to Greatness 2007)
Youth-Led Research in NYLC's "Growing to Greatness" Project (PDF, 556 KB)
Focuses on the rationale and many applications of youth-led research in the service-learning field. Lists possible skills to be gained by young people involved in youth-led research and raises a few questions about the concept. (The Generator, Spring 2004)
Focuses on the rationale and many applications of youth-led research in the service-learning field. Lists possible skills to be gained by young people involved in youth-led research and raises a few questions about the concept. (The Generator, Spring 2004)
The NYLC Resource Center has hundreds of free service-learning project examples, tools, and articles.