Service-Learning, Youth Grants & DoSomething!'s New Handbook
In the face of the biggest challenges experienced in a generation, millions of young people across the nation are responding by using their talents, creativity and voices to take social action and transform the world through service.
On October 18th, the Corporation for National and Community Service joined with the National Service-Learning Partnership, and a coalition of more than 100 national service-learning leaders, educators, and community advocates to kickoff the 4th Annual National Learn & Serve Challenge. The year-long challenge aims to expand opportunities for youth to serve and promote service-learning, a proven teaching method that harnesses the enthusiasm and skills of young people to solve problems in their schools and communities as part of their academic studies.
Schools, youth leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community groups are among those encouraged to Accept the Challenge. The Corporation offers resources to students, schools and community-based partners to encourage their participation in the initiative, including free toolkits, virtual learning and professional development opportunities. Schools and community groups can visit LearnandServeChallenge.org for more resources and to register service projects.
Be a voice for youth involvement this school year and commit to spread the word about the power of service-learning. Take action from October 2010 through April 2011 to build public awareness and support for service-learning. Please click here to Accept the Challenge now!
Grants that Help Kids and Teens Make a Difference
- The Project Give Foundation is a public charity that funds middle school service projects across the country. Their goal is to empower students with the ability to make a difference and help them realize their potential as citizens of the world. They do this by granting a school $2,500 a semester to do good things in their community. Find out if your school is eligible here.
- Project Ignition Grants sponsored by State Farm is a service-learning grant program focused on teen driver safety.
- Captain Planet Founation Grants encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities.
EVEN MORE Inspiration and Resources
DoSomething!, the largest US organization for teens and social change has just published the DoSomething!: A Handbook for Young Activists it includes projects, checklists, worksheets, timelines and inspirational stories — everything a world-changer needs to turn a big idea into real action.