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What is Service Learning?

Service learning is a teaching method that combines academic instruction, meaningful service, and critical, reflective thinking to enhance student learning and civic responsibility. It allows students to learn and develop workplace skills and behaviors through participation in community service experiences that meet actual community needs. Service hours are arranged with community partners so that two days per week during class time, the student applies classroom skills and knowledge in real-life situations for a local service organization. Students experience personal reward and enjoyment, develop concern for others, and network with community leaders while completing community service that benefits the community.

Service Learning applications are available each fall and due in December for the following school year. Service Learning is open to juniors and seniors, and students must be able to provide their own transportation to their sites. In order to be eligible for enrollment, students must have one year of prior experience in an on-campus service organization (Junior Civitans, Student Council, Beta, etc.), have a behavior record that exemplifies the characteristics of TORCH, and have parent permission.  Because students leave the NHS campus during the day to volunteer in the community, students must be an excellent community ambassador for Northwestern High School.

Students interested in Service Learning should contact Mrs. Smith at cgsmith@rhmail.org, speak with their guidance counselor, or stop by A201 for more information.

Local non-profit organizations interested in hosting a student two days per week for an hour each day should reach out to Christy Smith at cgsmith@rhmail.org.