This book presents current thinking on the topic of community service programs for youth. Combining theory and research with descriptions of innovative programs and specific recommendations for program design, the volume outlines an approach to service learning that engages youth not only in helping others but also in critical reflection and the democratic pursuit of social reform. Topics covered range from the theory and practice of service learning to research and ideas about teacher preparation and educational reform. The contents include: (1) "Service Learning for Youth Empowerment and Social Change: An Introduction" (Jeff Claus; Curtis Ogden); (2) "Beyond Test Scores and Standards: Service, Understanding, and Citizenship" (Joan Schine); (3) "In the Service of What? The Politics of Service Learning" (Joseph Kahne; Joel Westheimer); (4) "Promoting Identity Development: Ten Ideas for School-Based Service Learning Programs" (Miranda Yates; James Youniss); (5) "An Empowering, Transformative Approach to Service" (Jeff Claus; Curtis Ogden); (6) "Taking a Calculated Risk: Harnessing the Exuberance of Youth through 'Community Problem Solvers'" (Alice L. Halsted); (7) "What's Love Got To Do with It? Teen Dancers on Community Service Learning" (Tricia Bowers-Young; Richard D. Lakes); (8) "Ripples of Empowerment: A Personal Reflection" (Joy DesMarais); (9) "Service Learning and the Making of Small 'd' Democrats" (Cynthia Parsons); (10) "Building Legacies: School Improvement and Youth Activism in an Urban Teacher Education Partnership" (Robert W. Maloy; Abbie Sheehan; Irene S. LaRoche; Richard J. Clark, Jr.); (11) "Empowering Teacher Education Students through Service Learning: A Case Study" (Carol Kinsley); and (12) "Going Beyond Service" (Curtis Ogden). (RJC)