Learn and Serve America

Learn and Serve America supports school- and community-based service learning programs that involve youth in service opportunities addressing education, public safety, environmental awareness and other human needs.

The program funds new programs, replication of existing programs and provides training and development to staff, faculty and volunteers. Local Learn and Serve America projects require a local match of federal funds.

To learn more, visit the Learn and Serve America Web site. (External Link)

Service-learning helps students improve academically and develop personal skills through structured service projects that meet community needs. Service-learning allows students to learn by engaging in service projects and sharing impressions and observations of their experiences.

Results of a national study of Learn and Serve America programs suggest that effective service-learning programs can:

• Improve students' grades
• Increase school attendance
• Develop personal and social responsibility

School-Based:

At all education levels, service learning is integrated into the academic program. Educators promote learning by helping students understand and analyze their service experiences in the context of classwork.

Community-Based:

This approach allows youth to learn by doing. Youth ages 5 to 17 develop practical skills, self-esteem and a sense of civic responsibility by playing significant roles in designing, planning and implementing their service projects.

To view or download a list of all Learn and Serve America programs in Kentucky, go to Kentucky's CNCS state profile and select the "Learn and Serve America in Kentucky" PDF. (External Link)

For more information about Community-Based Learn and Serve programs, contact the KCCVS.

For more information about Learn and Serve America School-Based K-12 programs, contact:
Joan Howard
Kentucky Department of Education
1729 Capital Plaza Tower
500 Mero St.
Frankfort, Ky. 40601-1987
(502) 564-4201

For more information about Learn and Serve America School-Based Higher Education programs, contact:
Elson Nash
CNCS Headquarters
1201 New York Ave., NW
Room 9314
Washington, D.C. 20525
(202) 606-6834

Links are external and will open in new windows.

National Service-Learning Clearinghouse - general information about service-learning programs, publications, events and training

National Service-Learning Partnership - a national network of members dedicated to advancing service-learning as a core part of every young person's education