Research shows that enriching learning experiences such as learning communities, service-learning, undergraduate research, internships, and senior culminating experiences -- collectively known as High-Impact Practices (HIPs) -- are positively associated with student engagement; deep, and integrated learning; and personal and educational gains for…

Locally or individually, STEM programs provide additional opportunities to engage K-12 students, including those from marginalized groups, with the support of STEM outreach organizations through the co-construction and implementation of STEM activities during school, out of school, at home, and in the community. Research suggests that…

Opportunity America received a grant from Lumina Foundation to conduct a national research study of community colleges' credit and noncredit occupational education programs and their relationships with employers. Opportunity America contracted with Wilder Research to manage data collection and analysis for the study. The purpose of this study was…

"The Talent Blind Spot," which is divided into two reports, demonstrates that, each year, more than 50,000 high-achieving, low- and moderate-income community college students do not transfer to a four-year institution. Approximately 15,000 of these students have a 3.7 GPA or higher, which suggests they could succeed at even the most…

Describes the support given by a Miami (Florida) area chamber of commerce to a group of junior high school students starting a school-based junior chamber of commerce. Visits by chamber members to the school and by students to chamber meetings and local businesses were part of the program. (PGD)

Provides a photographic essay describing the Los Angeles (California) Museum of Contemporary Art outreach education program. Describes three components of the program: (1) community outreach; (2) museum/artist studio visits; and (3) return visits. Outlines how participants engage in interactive discussions and art-making during the eight sessions…

Asserts that society is fragmented and there is a need for strong support networks. Describes a cooperative community building program in North Carolina involving East Carolina University's art education program, Greenville (NC) public schools, and the McDonalds corporation. (CFR)

Considers the arguments advanced for an expansion of academic programs incorporating service learning. Briefly describes several programs in relation to the validity of these arguments. Suggests that geography could benefit from incorporating elements of service learning in order to enhance its treatment of ethical issues. (MJP)

Maintains that community enterprise projects help students develop academic, personal, and transferable skills, while enabling underfunded not-for-profit groups to achieve some of their goals. Provides several examples of programs and suggests methods of improvement. (MJP)

This report addresses impact of the Learn and Serve America Higher Education (LSAHE) service learning initiatives on communities, higher education institutions, and students, and is based on 3 years (1995-97) of data collection and observation at 27 institutions. LSAHE has awarded grants to higher education institutions and community organizations…

Reports on an experimental program in which preservice education students worked as Junior Achievement consultants in elementary schools. Discusses successful results and aspects of the project that could be improved. Concludes that the program could be replicated successfully in teacher education programs throughout the country. (CFR)

This issue brief considers how to involve English language learners in community-connected learning, a set of strategies to engage young people in learning experiences beyond the classroom. Such strategies include internships at work sites, and project-based learning in classrooms. In successful community-connected learning strategies, students…

The paper describes program initiatives undertaken during the 1984-85 school year by a rural educational cooperative, the Cayuga-Onondaga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (New York State), in an effort to bridge the gap between "current best practices" and local educational program opportunities for 110 school-aged students with…

Contends that barriers to effective education can be overcome by using the community as a living laboratory for social studies learning. Discusses out-of-school learning opportunities that meet four criteria: (1) goal relevance; (2) appropriate level of difficulty; (3) feasibility; and (4) cost effectiveness. (CFR)

The final report describes activities of the Improving Community-Based Instruction Project, which conducted research to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of training in community settings with individuals with severe disabilities. Three areas of research were undertaken: (1) studies of the influence of the location of instruction on the…