Service Learning and Volunteer Programs
Connecting children to mentors that help build their self-esteem, improve their schoolwork, and avoid risky behaviors
We at YouthPower believe that young people are at the heart of solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. That’s why we’re dedicated to strengthening systems in communities to achieve sustainable outcomes in health, education, and political and economic empowerment. By helping young people pursue their aspirations, we empower them to contribute to, and benefit from, the creation of more peaceful and prosperous communities.
Promoting positive youth development (PYD)
YouthPower promotes a shared understanding of positive youth development (PYD) whereby young people are empowered to reach their full potential. PYD transitions away from problem-focused responses to youth crises, to proactively building skills, fostering healthy relationships, transforming systems, and making youth an active partner in development efforts.
Advancing youth development
YouthPower improves the ability of youth-led and youth-serving institutions to design, implement, and assess the programs and policies that impact young people. Using lessons from our own research and knowledge sharing, we support the scale-up of sustainable youth programs, within and across multiple sectors. We do this to equip young people to actively engage in the development of their communities.
Creating a learning network
YouthPower’s Learning Network connects youth-serving initiatives, community-based organizations, international donors, academics, and government entities engaged in improving the knowledge, skills, practices, and partnerships around positive youth development. Together we are united in our aim to support the transition of young people into healthy, productive adults.
Providing evidence, evaluation, and technical guidance
YouthPower conducts research, evaluates innovative youth programs, and disseminates information to expand the knowledge base on what does – and does not – work in youth development. By compiling and sharing resources that take an evidence-based approach, we provide practitioners and researchers with the necessary tools to continuously improve the effectiveness of youth development practices.
There are more than 1,500 Builders Clubs in middle schools around the world. No two are alike. Each club is an independent entity-designed for its members, by its members. They work together to improve their schools and their communities. Their service also increases the visibility and enhances the reputation of both the club and the school or organization they represent. The program is designed to fit member and volunteer interests.
It’s student-led.
Builders Club is uniquely built on an important principle: Amazing things happen when the students take the lead.
It’s age-appropriate.
The program and its resources are designed specifically to help middle school students get the most of of the club experience.
Your needs matter.
Each club determines its own meeting schedule, service projects and other activities in order to fit the needs of advisors, members and sponsors.
You’re not alone.
Adult Kiwanis volunteers and staff at the regional and international levels are there to support your club’s success.
The Corporation for National and Community Service is the nation’s largest grant maker supporting service and volunteering. Through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, opportunities are provided for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to express their patriotism while addressing critical community needs.
United We Serve offers resources for participants to get involved in our nation’s recovery and renewal by serving in their communities.
AmeriCoprsNCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) engages recent college graduates and veterans in public. AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for young adults age 18–24. The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. Members are assigned to one of five campuses, located in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; Perry Point, Maryland; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Vinton, Iowa. All AmeriCorps members receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards when they complete their terms of service. These awards can be used to pay back loans or pay for college or graduate school. A majority of AmeriCorps members have at least some college experience, and the program has a strong track record of creating pathways to public service fields that are currently experiencing workforce shortages.
The Corps Network is the voice of the nation’s 158 Service and Conservation Corps. Currently operating in 46 states and the District of Columbia, Corps annually enroll more than 33,000 young men and women in service every year. Corps annually mobilize approximately 265,000 community volunteers who, in conjunction with Corps members, generate 15.3 million hours of service every year.
The free Semester of Service online course will enable educators to guide students in a semester-long activity that is directly linked to 21st Century Skills, using the tools and resources available in the Semester of Service Teacher Toolkit.
Provides a resource for both students and outlets to volunteer and make a difference in their communities. Browse through this website to “shop” around for a cause that you are passionate about and take action!
ME to WE empowers people to change the world through their everyday consumer choices. ME to WE is part of WE which empowers people to change the world. WE invite you to join a community of people who are making the world a better place.
Volunteers of America provides people across the country with volunteer opportunities locally.
If someone is looking to volunteer in their community they can use this website to locate a place that fits their interests.