Sixty-six schools were honored at the White House May 1 for excellence in service learning. Each of the 34 middle and 32 high schools was named a National Service-Learning Leader School. The presidential award recognizes schools for combining academics with community service in a way that benefits students, teaches civic responsibility, and strengthens communities. For example, one of the award recipients is Irvington High School in Fremont, Calif., where students play an important leadership role by working with teachers to integrate service into more than 20 courses. Students in an earth science course assist with the restoration of local lagoons and creeks.
Students taking American studies serve the residents at a local homeless shelter.
At W.T. Clarke Middle School in Westbury, N.Y., service learning is integrated into 10 subjects, including English, science, math, social studies, music, and art. Students mentor elementary school students, read to preschool children, and teach senior citizens about computers. The awards program is administered by the Corporation for National Service. A new report published by the U.S. Education Department offers advice on how school leaders, educators, facility planners, architects, and community leaders can work together to plan and design new schools. Project GRAD, a public-private partnership, offers an array of educational and social services to children and their families, including a college scholarship paid for by the district's corporate partners.