Service Learning and After School Programs

There are numerous questions surrounding after school programs that address whether a service learning component is beneficial to have in after school programs. The questions have been raised about whether students who participate in service-learing components of programs have more improvements in GPA and show more improvements in behaviors. The purpose of service learning is to integrate academic curriculum with community service. Studies have show that service learning does impact academic achievement by increasing critical thinking and writing skills amongst youth. Also, with social behavior, students become more confident in their ability to identify issues, work with others, organize and take action, and build commitment to participation in the long term. Also, it helps youth change their attitudes towards social justice, equality of opportunity, and civic responsibility.

Students who learn and practice responsible decision-making skills through service learning are more likely to make more responsible choices in other aspects of their lives than those who are not learning these skills. The curriculum of service learning should include personal and social responsibility, academic achievement, tolerance, good citizenship, respect for others, respect for diversity, leadership, and conflict resolution skills. In doing this, students are able to learn in different ways than how they are taught in school. Service learning prompts students to learn through discussion, experiential exercises, cooperative learning, and reflection.

What I feel is the most important gain of service learning is that it connects academic achievement with their community. Many times, in low income communities, education is not equated with the culture or identity of the community. By taking ownership over a project, that benefits their community as well as addresses a prevalent issue of inequality, youth are able to become active leaders in their community.