Research

Between January and March, 2005, the Corporation for National and Community Service, in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau and the nonprofit coalition, Independent Sector, conducted the “Youth Volunteering and Civic Engagement Survey.”

The survey gathered information from 3,178 American youth between the ages of 12 and 18 on their volunteering habits and experiences with school-based service projects as well as information related to positive youth development. The results are remarkable –

38% of students participate in school-based service (estimated 10.6 million students nationwide) 64% of students who participated in school-based service do so as a class.

School-based service increases volunteering, and students who participate in school-based service are more likely to have volunteered through an organization within the past year than students who have not participated in school-based service

77% of students of students who have engaged in school-based service report that their service included at least on of the three quality activities/elements associated with Service Learning; writing or reflecting on the experience in class (51%), participating in planning the activity (36%), and participating in regular community service that last at least one semester (36%)

To view complete survey click here

Addition Links to Research

Learning in Deed – The Power of Service Learning for American Schools - A Report From the National Commission on Service Learning

List of Service Learning Fact Sheets - This site provides fact sheet highlights some of the emerging knowledge in this field based on theory, process evaluations, and field wisdom—knowing that more rigorous research is needed.

List of Service Learning Bibliographies - This link provides extensive lists of recommended resources on a distinct subject area of Service Learning.

Impacts of Service Learning on Participating K-12 Students - Service Learning approaches used in K-12 schools have been found in many studies to have positive impacts on students' academic achievement, civic engagement, career aspirations, and social/personal development. This fact sheet provides an update and summary of research on K-12 Service Learning impacts published since 1999.

Engaging At-risk Students in Service - A guide designed to provide an overview of the underlying theory and effective practices in engaging at-risk students in service by examining the roles they have played – and can play – in serving their communities

The National Survey on Service Learning and Transitioning to Adulthood - This study examines the opinions of U.S. residents age 18 to 28 on a variety of topics including high school experiences and the influence of community service, service learning, and role models while growing up.

Growing to Greatness - This is State Farm Insurances’ 3rd annual report of the state of Service Learning. This report looks at how service enhances learning objectives and how does the emphasis on learning enhance the service experience.

National Service Learning Clearinghouse - This link provides updated research information on Service Learning.


 

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