Learn & Serve Kansas

Community Based Programs

Phone:  785/368-6207
Fax: 785-368-6284
shoytal@ksde.org

The Kansas Learn and Serve America program supports the development of service learning in Kansas schools and community-based organizations for young people in grades K-12. The Kansas Volunteer Commission, through the Kansas Department of Education, has administered the program in Kansas since 1992 using federal funds from the Corporation for National Service. In 2003-2004, nearly 7,500 Kansas Learn and Serve youth contributed over 130,000 hours of service in their communities. The diversity of the Kansas Learn and Serve America program is reflected in the demographics reported by each of the 30 programs: 45% of youth were from low income households, 43% were of ethnic minority and 11% had some form of disability.

Service Learning is an instructional method in which students participate in structured service projects that meet real community needs. Service Learning builds upon student's service activities by providing them with opportunities to learn by preparing, leading and reflecting upon their service experiences. Evidence from a national study of Learn and Serve America programs suggests that effective service learning programs improve student's academic grades, increase attendance in school and helps youth develop personal and social responsibility.

Opportunities for service learning projects in which young people may participate are diverse and virtually unlimited.  Intergenerational programs, with an integrated reading and writing component, develop student literacy. Cross-age tutoring with students at risk serving as tutors increases their academic skills as well as those of the "tutee". Environmental projects involve youth and community members working together to clean up their community. History projects may have youth interview seniors for "History: I lived it". Community service classes provide high school students opportunities to enrich their learning experiential education.

For more information about Learn and Serve America nationally visit www.cns.gov.

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National Service in KS