The School-based Service-learning Initiative creates an opportunity for classroom teachers to connect students with community resources so as to implement service-learning projects that extend beyond the classroom.  Service-learning is a teaching method that connects meaningful community service and advocacy with what is taught as part of the school curriculum.  It provides an opportunity for young people to become deeply engaged in addressing real community needs, while mastering the classroom content set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 






The National Youth Leadership Council has established the following research-based protocols to support the implementation and practice of quality service-learning projects:


In addition to learning specific content, through service-learning projects, students are given an opportunity to improve their skills.  Because students involved with service-learning projects work directly with community leaders, public officials, and community members, they are able to improve their public speaking, technical skills, and creativity.  In addition, by engaging in social/political issues, students are given opportunities to think critically and analyze problems to create systemic change. 

During the 2009-2010 school year, classes at East Stroudsburg High School South that participated in Youth Infusion, Inc.'s School-based Service-learning Initiative, were evaluated to determine the level of impact that their service-learning projects had on their lives.  Findings included:

•    100% of students reported that they gained real world skills and knowledge and feel better prepared for their future.  
•    100% of students felt more confident in their ability to tackle difficult problems and tasks as a result of their accomplishments during the service-learning project.
•    95% of students felt that their verbal communication skills have improved.  
•    83% of students felt that their written skills improved.  

The founders of Youth Infusion understand that a quality education must include opportunities for students to deeply engage in real world issues.  They also believe that partnerships with schools are critical so that students are able to link what is learned in the classroom with high stakes public outcomes.  Connecting with their community and conducting authentic and pragmatic projects gives students a sense of purpose, cultivates self-reliance, and promotes sustained civic involvement.   The School-based Service-learning Initiative is available to all schools in Northeast Pennsylvania.  For more information, please contact Francesca Turturro at (570) 266-5125 or via email at Francesca@youthinfusion.org. 

Click Past Events to see highlights from past service-learning projects.  View video clips from news coverage of our school-based events.