Now there are national, state and local conferences on service learning. These future teachers will volunteer in real settings, Eastfield Ming Quong, for instance, where they can improve skills for working with children with emotional problems. Service learning can also be individualized. By helping the second grader, the fifth grader's reading and self-esteem improved. Nicky Ozer, youth service coordinator for Volunteer Exchange, a clearinghouse for volunteers, says volunteering is very practical, too.
Students learn marketable skills.
They learn leadership, how to talk on the phone, organize and write, and about technology, people skills and more. The 15 high school students who volunteer for her office researched, designed and put together a Youth Service Guide booklet of 330 nonprofit agencies that can use youth volunteers. Students who don't do well in school, can be outstanding volunteers. Volunteer Exchange holds a Youth Summit each year. This year 350 students will meet to share what they do in the community.