These are structured learning activities, with clearly defined academic and personal goals. For example, 9th graders study ethics, technology and English, while simultaneously building their self-confidence in outdoor skills, such as mountain climbing, hiking, etc. Sophomores volunteer in local schools as tutors and teaching assistants, or in human service organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, food kitchens and childcare centers. They study these organizations within the context of social and ethical issues. Juniors intern in Congressional offices on Capitol Hill to learn about government and public policy.
Seniors choose an internship that matches their college majors, a career or personal interest.
This means that only about 16 percent of schools receive any funding support. Clearly there is a disparity here between how we encourage our youths to volunteer in community service and the real dollars and funding mechanisms we provide to support their activities. Nonetheless, there are other ways for schools to aggregate funds. Many businesses are involved in making contributions in the communities where they operate. Following the 1997 President's Summit for America's Future, many businesses have become more actively involved in providing in-kind services to schools and nonprofits and in supporting their employees and retired employees to participate in volunteer programs.