YSA Resources for Youth, Teachers and Parents

During my time with the volunteer center one of my key partners was YSA (Youth Service America). I found them to be an extraordinary organization when it comes to focusing on what really matters most. Today I wanted to share with you some of the resources they have available for you and your family as you seek to become engaged in the community and to make a positive difference around you.

YSA’s programs for schools support educators around the world as they create a culture of service in schools that engages students, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and make an impact in their community.

Whether you're a teacher, student, administrator, or mentor - and whatever your experience level - there's a YSA Education program for you to authentically and meaningfully engage your students and help them learn, lead, and achieve.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan calls on students to "seize the opportunity to improve the world around you through service" by serving for a day on Global Youth Service Day, a month through Classrooms with a Cause, or a semester or longer with Semester of Service.

SERVE FOR A DAY:

Global Youth Service Day

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest service event in the world, and the only campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people who strengthen their communities through service. GYSD provides an opportunity to introduce service-learning into the classroom for the first time as well as an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate existing activities.

Introductory Level
Ideal Implementation Time: The week(s) leading up to GYSD - April 15-17, 2016

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SERVE FOR A MONTH:

Classrooms with a Cause

Classrooms with a Cause provides a curricular framework for students to reflect on what they have learned in the classroom, and then apply their knowledge to address a cause – an issue important to them and to their community. The Classrooms with a Cause curriculum includes a facilitator guide and customizable student guide.

Intermediate Level
Ideal Implementation Time: Last 4-6 weeks of the school year, starting on or around Global Youth Service Day in April (or after state testing).

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 SERVE FOR A SEMESTER 
(OR LONGER):

Semester of Service

Semester of Service is an extended service and learning framework to engage students in addressing problems of local, national, or global importance and their root causes.  Teachers engage students in a semester of meaningful teaching & learning through service. Students learn and demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills required by local academic standards.

Advanced Level
Ideal Implementation Time: Spring semester, beginning in January/February and going through the end of the school year, using Global Youth Service Day in April as a milestone

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YSA helps young people find their voice, take action, and make an impact on vital community issues.