The goal of Service Learning in Memphis City Schools is to expand opportunities for students to participate in service activities, which promote higher levels of learning by using classroom knowledge to address community needs. The program has five major objectives:

• To develop responsible, caring young people who are practicing good citizenship through community service.
• To provide students with opportunities to integrate classroom instruction with real-life service and career development activities.
• To promote increased understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
• To actively involve students in addressing real-life issues and problems in their community.
• To improve team building and other career related skills through cooperative project planning and implementation.

These objectives are closely aligned with the district’s Standards of Lifelong learning, as well as the school-to-career and character education curricula. The lifelong learning standards include effective communication with diverse audiences in a variety of media, teamwork, goal setting and project planning, and student recognition of their responsibilities as citizens. The expected outcomes of service learning are closely matched with benefits of other district programs, thereby increasing student support in these areas. Expected outcomes include retention of classroom learning, team-building and problem-solving skills, motivation to learn as a result of practical relevance, improved communication skills, development of job skills, increased attendance, improved academic performance and behavior, and improved peer relationships.

Service Learning bridges the real world of work with what students learn at school. In the 2005-2006 school year, 59 teachers, 84 adult volunteers, and over 1100 students participated in the development and implementation of service projects that benefited 8,325 individuals in the Memphis area. In partnerships with community and/or faith-based organizations, students logged nearly 2200 service hours preparing over 30 projects, including:

• High school students sponsored a youth summit at a local elementary school and emphasized the ways young people can get involved in their community.

• Peer tutoring programs
• Community Health fair
• Park Revitalization
• Creation of a Neighborhood Historical Mosaic
• Creating wigs for cancer patients
• Get Out and Vote Drives
• Leadership Development and Training for 7^th graders
• Outdoor learning lab
   

The following courses offer Service Learning opportunities for students: