Serena Muhammad to Receive G. Bernard Gill Urban Service-Learning Leadership Award

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 11, 2012) — Serena Muhammad, Founding Executive Director of America Scores St. Louis, has been selected to receive the 2012 G. Bernard Gill Urban Service-Learning Leadership Award. This award, given by the National Youth Leadership Council®, will be presented on April 11 at the National Service-Learning Conference® and youthrive PeaceJam Leadership Conference, Our World, Our Future, in Minneapolis, Minn. “It has been an honor to work with such a dedicated team of board members, staff, and community partners who care so much about the well-being of children in our community. Their support makes my work possible,” said Muhammad.

Muhammad has created high impact, youth-driven service-learning opportunities for over 2,000 youth. She has trained over 100 teachers in underserved public schools to implement and lead service-learning projects. Her volunteer commitment mirrors her professional career and includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Healthy Youth Partnership. She also serves as a federal grant reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The award honors individuals, who, by example, have played a leadership role in urban schools, communities and the lives of young people. With a passion for engaging African-American males and a belief that service-learning could improve their lives, Bernard Gill was a pioneering leader in the urban service-learning movement and organized the first and successive National Urban Service-Learning Institute.

About The National Service-Learning Conference®
Originating in Minnesota in 1989, the National Service-Learning Conference is the largest gathering of youth and adults involved in the service-learning movement. Each year, it draws approximately 2,200 attendees from across the United States and around the globe. Over the history of the service-learning movement, young people have been at the forefront, generating change in their communities and around the world. The 2012 conference theme, Our World, Our Future, is an opportunity to share how youth passion, creativity and innovation can address world issues.

About NYLC
NYLC has been at the center of service-learning program and policy development since 1983. It annually convenes the National Service-Learning Conference, offers adult and youth trainings and develops service-learning resources. For more information, please visit www.nylc.org.

About Service-Learning
Service-learning is a teaching method that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and communities. It integrates service with established learning objectives, emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, and tackles real issues such as hunger, ecological concerns and diversity.

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