Service learning, curriculum-linked community service, has proved remarkably effective in igniting students' desire to learn. In 1997, the Wisconsin Partnership in Service Learning was initiated as a cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional endeavor. Supported by a grant from Learn and Serve America, the partnership created a network throughout…

In 1997 the Education Commission of the States (ECS) created the Compact for Learning and Citizenship (CLC), an organization of state and district superintendents working to improve student learning through civic involvement and the use of volunteers. This issue paper provides an overview of service-learning, discussing impact, alignment with…

The Family to Family initiative has encouraged states to reconceptualize, redesign, and reconstruct their foster care systems. By 1996, the initiative was being implemented in five states, five Georgia counties, and Los Angeles County, California. The first objective of this initiative is to develop a network of family foster care that is more…

This paper describes a tool-and-result methodological approach to the practice and evaluation of an urban community development and gardening project with homeless youth. Over 9 months, at least 40 homeless children and teenagers were involved in the program, and approximately 15 were core participants. The paper critically examines the role of…

Describes a program established by the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) in which high school journalists spend a day on the job with organization members. (AEA)

The career day concept can be a very meaningful and exciting experience for elementary school students. It is an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between the school and the business community, and can answer a question students often ask themselves, "Why do I have to go to school?" (Author)

A model for a community youth football program that includes disabled youth identifies five divisions of restriction based on: the amount of physical contact; level of activity strenuousness; emphasis on competition and winning; and special accommodations required. Handicapped youth football programs emphasize skill development and provide…

Describes the importance of four essential elements in a community's efforts to create positive youth development: connectedness, continuity, dignity, and opportunity. Identifies children who are in need and discusses what communities can do to care for and love them. Lists strategies that each community member can take to foster change. (RJM)

Introduces a collection of articles that proposes standards for empirically supported prevention programming for children and youth and steps to integrate prevention science with practice. Articles highlight key research findings and common principles for effective programming across family, school, community, health care, and policy interventions…

Describes background for school-to-work effort in Massachusetts, the state's design and implementation of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act (STWOA) of 1994, the local impact of the state's STWOA grant, challenges to making school-to-work a top priority of state education reform strategies to improve student achievement, and state and local…

Colleges and universities continually search for ways to enhance the safety and security of their educational programs and physical plant. This article examines how the University of Southern California and other institutions are using collaborative efforts with the local community to enhance their mutual safety and security through dynamic…

Describes a pilot program in which first, third, and fourth grade students were brought together with nursing home residents to help the children gain a more accepting attitude toward aging and to cheer up the lives of the elderly. (MG)

Outlines a community action process that American Indian communities could use to develop their own drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs. Describes a community prevention system framework developed by the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention. Compares the community empowerment system with the agency-directed service delivery model. (SV)

The article describes the Community Vocational Training program, a transition program that trains and places high school seniors with mild handicaps in permanent employment and postsecondary schools. Considered are theoretical foundations, recruitment, on the job experiences, the employment skills workshop, staff roles, and outcomes. (DB)

Discusses results of a study of five initiatives which promote intergenerational relationships for at-risk youth. Discusses factors involved in the success of the initiatives, the relation between elder mentors and youths, and implications for policy. (RJC)