2.  According to the National Youth Leadership Council, “Service-learning is a teaching method that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and communities through a process that is carefully integrated with learning objectives. It emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving, tackles challenges such as hunger and homelessness, and values people of all ages as having talents to offer.”

3.  Young people gain access to the range of supports and opportunities (or developmental assets) they need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. One study of youth civic activism found that these settings had particular strength in cultivating youth and community involvement (Lewis-Charp et al., 2003).  Increased sense of self-efficacy as young people learn that they can impact real social challenges, problems, and needs.  Higher academic achievement and interest in furthering their education.

4.  Enhanced problem-solving skills, ability to work in teams, and planning abilities.  Enhanced civic engagement attitudes, skills and behaviors. Many leaders in public service today speak about how they were nurtured, inspired, and shaped in early experiences in community service or volunteering.

5.  Zeta Tau Alpha volunteers at a local pregnancy support clinic called Options Now.  This is a ministry-based clinic that assists women in their decisions following an unplanned pregnancy.

6.  Freshman Year Experience students picked up trash on the side of South Ashley Street in Valdosta, GA.  It is important to VSU students to keep their campus and community clean.

7.  The sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha volunteer at a local food bank to deliver food to needy families.  We checked all donated goods for damage and expiration to be sure they were given the best quality food and healthcare items.

8.  The Freshman Year Experience students at Valdosta State hosted a car wash to raise money for the nearby organization Megan’s House.  Megan’s House is a center that helps out children with disabilities and their families.

9.  http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_i nfo/fact_sheets/cb_facts/benefits_cbosl http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_i nfo/fact_sheets/cb_facts/benefits_cbosl  http://www.nylc.org/ http://www.nylc.org/