Service Learning

CONTACT

Service Learning Coach -

Ms. Imelda Meza

773.535.2328

imeza@cps.edu

SUPPORT

Service Learning connects your classroom learning with the assets, stories, and issues that matter to you. With the new CPS Service Learning policy, teachers will include opportunities to connect classroom learning to community issues through Service Learning projects.Whether you are in Math class or P.E., World History or Spanish, you are applying what you learn in class to real-world problem solving and contributing to the common good.

The district requirement is 2 classroom-based Service Learning projects, one in Civics or AP Government and one in another class. While every project will be different, all projects must connect to the curriculum, involve student voice, and include preparation, action, and reflection. As more and more teachers incorporate Service Learning projects in their classes, you will carry out more projects than this requirement – and you will make more and more of an impact on the world.

TAKING IT FURTHER

Chicago is home to a vibrant civic life, with a vast array of community organizations and opportunities for students to get involved. Check out the Community Events Calendar, Community Partners List, and Current Youth Leadership Opportunities for more resources. For students who make community engagement a priority, your out-of-class volunteering and leadership will be recorded on your transcripts in the Awards and Honors section. This will allow you to share your experiences and service with prospective universities and employers.

Visit our Guidelines page to view service-learning outcomes.

SERVICE LEARNING GRADUATION REQUIREMENT SUMMARY:

Beginning SY 2016-2017, a new service-learning policy shifts the graduation requirement from 40 hours to two (2) service-learning projects. This will apply to 9th and 10th graders and future matriculating classes. For the next two school terms (SY 17-18, 18-19) there will be two service-learning policies operating concurrently.

2019 Graduates ONLY

• Students must spend time preparing for and reflecting on the service-learning experience in order to receive credit toward promotion and/or graduation. Students participating in classroom-integrated projects must participate in classroom preparation and reflection activities.
• Students completing service-learning hours on their own must complete the pre-service preparation and post-service reflection form. Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of service between 9th and 12th grade in order to graduate.
• All service-learning projects and experiences must be pre-approved by the school's Service-Learning Coach. Service-learning hours will not be granted for projects that have not been pre-approved.
• Independent hours at non-profit organizations are encouraged, an Independent Service Learning Form must be completed

2020 + Graduates

Two (2) service-learning projects

• 1 of the 2 Service Learning Classroom Projects must be completed in Civics or A.P. U.S. Government course; and
• The second successful Service-Learning Project completion will be in conjunction with a course offering during the students’ 4 years or an independent service learning project may be completed with the permission of the Service Learning Coach (Ms. Meza).
• Hours completed outside of the classroom at non-profit organizations are encouraged and will be entered in under volunteer hours and students must take and complete an Independent Service Learning Form

Restricted Service Activities

Students may not earn Service Learning credit through the following:

• Work with for-profit businesses and corporations;
• Work with religious organizations if the service involves promoting a particular faith;
• Volunteer work where no academic objective is addressed;
• Work that is financially reimbursed;
• Participation in a sports team or other extra-curricular activity unless that group designs a Service Learning project that contains the components listed above
• Assisting a teacher (i.e. correcting papers, cleaning the classroom)
• Artistic performances or recitals unless students are involved in creating a project that includes a performance as an outcome of the project
• Attending a workshop, conference or other educational event unless that training leads directly to a service project.