The theory of student involvement (Astin, 1984) acknowledges that as students devote time and energy to educationally purposeful activities, they can expect to make cognitive and affective gains throughout the college years. Participation in clubs and organizations is one form of involvement associated with a host of learning and developmental…

Action research, in which the college teacher leads students in design and implementation of a study responsive to specific community needs, is proposed as one way of linking faculty imperatives of teaching, research, and public service. The approach allows faculty to gather and analyze data for publication while meeting instructional…

Describes the current interest and activity in community service and the undergraduate educational experience. Argues that recognition by faculty, administrators, and agency officials is necessary to ensure that community service projects successfully combine service with learning. Offers recommendations for implementing a program that cultivates…

The primary purpose of the Constitutional Rights Foundation's Youth Community Service (YCS) program is to give disadvantaged high school students the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and other skills to design, organize, and implement community service. This evaluation of the Los Angeles (California) YCS program examines: (1) who…

Service learning programs, which combine practical volunteer community service experience with traditional academic study, are cost effective and meaningful alternatives to college activities programing. Such programs increase learning options, are good public relations, can involve faculty and departments, and attract a wider variety of students…

This report focuses on youth service as a vital component of education for citizenship. The following six major recommendations to encourage voluntary student and youth services are offered: (1) creation of quality student service opportunities as central to the fundamental educational program of every public school, including either elective…

Serve-America is a national program that was established under the 1990 National and Community Service Act to involve young people in community service and thereby build their understanding of their communities, sense of social responsibility, and commitment to community involvement. In 1992, a 3-year evaluation of Serve-America was initiated to…

Short-term and 1-year effects of the Learn and Serve America program were examined in an evaluation of programs at 17 middle schools and high schools nationwide. The following four data sources were among those analyzed: survey responses and school records of approximately 1,000 Learn and Serve program participants and comparison group members;…

As mandated by the U.S. Congress, this report evaluates the Learn and Serve America program's effects on higher education students (service providers), service recipients, and higher education institutions, and assesses the program's return on investment. An introduction summarizes the policy debate and reviews the study objectives and approach.…