NCJ Number
119224
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 4-7
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A growing number of school-based youth community service programs are helping students develop individual and social responsibility, and this movement is being encouraged by a variety of organizations.
Abstract
More than 200 university presidents have formed a coalition called the Campus Compact to increase the amount of community service performed by their student populations. In addition, State and city conservation corps recruit youths between ages 17 and 24 for a 1-year commitment to service. Moreover, President Bush's National Office has initiated a national program called YES -- Youth Entering Service to America. Furthermore, proposed national legislation would provide the necessary financial support for school-based programs, together with incentives for participation. Finally, the Chief State School Officers Association, with the Constitutional Rights Foundation, conducted a series of nationwide conferences in the spring of 1988 to provide a rationale for school-based community service and to highlight successful program models. An increasing number of schools are integrating service across the academic spectrum of their classes from kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs build positive bonds between youth and society's institutions, offer all students a chance to give something back to their schools and communities, create positive partnerships between students and adults, strengthen student self-esteem and academic performance, and encourage a lifelong commitment to the service ethic. Examples of programs and guidelines for starting a project. Footnotes.