After learning about the consequences of natural disasters, elementary school children in Florida designed and distributed envelopes for use in storing important information in case of emergency. Middle school students in Pennsylvania conducted health fairs, created a cookbook, and opened a neighborhood fruit and vegetable stand to help combat the effects of poor nutrition and lack of exercise. And high school students in Oklahoma authored two books of research, memoirs, and poetry about a polluted local creek after learning about toxic waterways.

These examples of "service-learning" from Learn and Serve America -- a program of the Corporation for National Service -- illustrate how young people of all ages are getting involved in their communities through school programs, and how their work leads to lasting change and a lifetime of dedication to their communities.

What's more, a national study of Learn and Serve America programs suggests that effective service-learning programs improve grades, increase attendance in school, and develop students' personal and social responsibility.

So whether you're a teacher looking for service-learning inspiration, an educator in need of supplies and materials to turn your ideas into reality, or a student or parent looking to learn more about how service-learning is helping change lives and communities, here are some places to start learning about how you can make a difference.

Curriculum
The LEAGUE
A school- and web-based system for service-learning, The LEAGUE combines state standards-based lesson plans with community service events that help teach students the value of giving and recognizes them for their efforts. The LEAGUE's primary purpose is to bring kids closer to each other, and closer to their communities.

SLICE (Service-Learning Ideas and Curricular Examples)
A new tool from Learn and Service America's National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, SLICE is an easy-to-search database filled with hundreds of service-learning lesson plans, syllabi, and project ideas. You can also share information about successful approaches used in your own program.

Classroom needs
DonorsChoose.org
A website connecting classrooms in need with individuals who want to help, DonorsChoose.org was designed to address the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in our nation's public schools. Through the site, teachers submit proposals for materials or experiences their students need to learn, and concerned individuals choose projects to fund.

Additional info
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse's Resources for Kids & Teens

Bring Learning to Life (a video from Learn and Serve America)