Eleven Reasons to Support Service-Learning

In 1998, 1999, 2003, and 2004, the U.S. Department of Education and other agencies conducted studies on service-learning in schools and found the following:

1. Students who engage in quality service-learning programs show increased personal and social responsibility, communication skills, and sense of educational competence.
2. Students who engage in service-learning are more likely to treat each other kindly, help each other, and care about doing their best.
3. Students who engage in service-learning experience higher self-esteem.
4. Students who engage in service-learning are less likely to be referred to the office for disciplinary measures, or engage in behaviors that lead to pregnancy or arrest.
5. Students who participate in high quality service-learning programs are more likely to develop bonds with a variety of adults.
6. Students who participate in service-learning report greater acceptance of cultural diversity.
7. Students who participate in high quality service-learning develop a better understanding of how to effect social change and develop a greater sense of civic responsibility and service ethic.
8. Students who engage in service-learning really feel they can “make a difference.”
9. Students who participate in service-learning score higher on state mandated tests.
10. Teachers and students who participate in service-learning report that service-learning builds cohesiveness and positive relationships between students and teachers.
11. Teachers and students who participate in service-learning report that the general climate of the school is more positive, and there is a greater connectedness in the school.

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