STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING A United Way Initiative

1. STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING A United Way Initiative

2. What is SSL? StudentService Learning (SSL) is a program that offers a unique opportunity for all students in grades nine through twelve in Ottawa County to engage in service projects and philanthropic learning within their community.  Through this process students learn how to become productive community members.

3. WHY SSL? A national study suggests that effective service-learning programs improve grades, increase attendance in school, and develop students' personal and social responsibility. A growing body of research recognizes service-learning as an effective strategy to help students by: • Promoting learning through active participation in service experiences; • Providing structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and writing about their service experience; • Providing an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations; • Extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community; and • Fostering a sense of caring for others.

4. SSL Activities The goals of the program are achieved through many types of activities: • Signature Events – Day of Caring, Rake –A- Difference, Adopt-A-Beach, Alternative Spring Break, Interact and more. • Governance Opportunities – HYAC, committee membership, task force membership, Leadership Councils, NHS, and more. • Mentoring & Tutoring – CHILL, CASA, The Zee Bus and more. • Non-profit Agency Volunteerism – United Way Volunteer Solutions has over 100 volunteer opportunities available at all times. • Community Organizations – Rotary, Kiwanis, Community Foundation, Chambers, Churches, and Community events. • Job Partnering – United Way matches students with professional partners in vocations that interest the student.

5. Award Requirements • Students that successfully complete 100 or more service hours will be awarded with: • Greater Ottawa County United Way Service Learning Certificate • Students that successfully complete 400 or more service hours will be awarded with: • Michigan Governor’s Service Learning Award • Volunteer Centers of Michigan Student Service Learning Medallion • Laptop Scholarship

6. Benefits of SSL? • To the Student: • Studies show that Students who participate in SSL; • Have higher grades • Have better attendance • Have a better sense of belonging to their community • To the School System: • Comprehensive access for students to become engaged in service learning • enhances current school programs including Social Studies, National Honor Society, Interact, current & future graduation requirements and academic achievements.

7. Benefits of SSL? • To the Community: • A systematic approach of connecting community youth to service learning in their community • Leveraging labor support • Taking the talents of the next generation and implanting community youth into the community

8. Student servicestudent service learning video learn video

9. What does United Way provide ? • Classroom recruitment presentations • Comprehensive student binder including Volunteer hours log sheet, evaluation forms, instructions, Job Partnering application • Volunteer Solutions, a United Way web based search engine and database for civic engagement in Ottawa County • Marketing pieces • Signature regional events throughout the year • Student Advocacy and Support

10. What does the School System provide? • Allow access to all students with a class presentation • An on-site advocate that acts as a student liaison for United Way & students • A collection / distribution point for information outside of classroom presentations

11. OH, ONE MORE THING……. • ………IT”S FREE!