The creation of an informed and active citizenry has always been a primary goal of America's schools. Given the challenges we face as a Nation, educating our young people to be knowledgeable, skillful, and engaged citizens of a free society has never been more important. By serving something greater than themselves America's young people can help meet vital community needs while learning to become responsible and engaged citizens in our democratic society.

Educators in America's K-12 schools and in its colleges and universities have long encouraged students to participate in volunteer service in many forms. They have supported individual volunteer activities, service projects organized by student groups and faculty members, and formal service projects that link to academic lessons – the practice known as service-learning.

Learn and Serve America

The Learn and Serve America program at the Corporation for National and Community Service supports service-learning activities in thousands of K-12 schools and on college and university campuses around the country through grants and other resources, including the National Service Learning Clearinghouse.

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Visit the National Service Learning Clearinghouse

USA Freedom Corps for Kids

In 2004, USA Freedom Corps launched www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov to engage and inspire young people to perform community service. Children can find games and ideas designed to show them how they can make a difference in their schools and neighborhoods.

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American History, Civics & Service

On September 17, 2002, President George W. Bush observed the 215th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution by announcing new policies and initiatives to support the teaching of American History and Civics and provide Americans with greater access to some of our country’s national treasures.

To illustrate the good work being done as part of the President’s initiative, USA Freedom Corps is highlighting the Civics and American History projects offered by the Administration’s agencies and programs. Together, we are working to keep the foundation of our great Nation strong.

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Helping America's Youth

On October 27, 2005, Mrs. Laura Bush convened the White House Conference on Helping America's Youth at Howard University in Washington, D.C. More than 500 parents, youth, educators, civic leaders, faith-based and community service providers, foundations, researchers, and experts in child development gathered to discuss various problems facing America's youth and proven solutions in overcoming those challenges.

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Students in Service to America

The USA Freedom Corps is working with the Learn and Serve America program, the Department of Education, other USA Freedom Corps coordinating council member agencies, and nonprofit organizations to create resources that will enable America's schools to do more to help our young people develop habits of service that will last a lifetime. The Students in Service to America initiative is an outgrowth of that effort.

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President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll program is an initiative that responds to President Bush’s call to service by building on and supporting the civic engagement mission of our nation’s colleges and universities.

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Universities Rebuilding America Partnership

On November 1, 2005, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson and Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner, launched the Universities Rebuilding America Partnership (URAP) at Louisiana State University. The new program will offer resources and support to engage college and university students, faculty and staff in helping rebuild the Gulf Coast region.

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Honoring Students

In order to encourage and recognize outstanding volunteer service and inspire others to volunteer, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President’s Volunteer Service Award. These Awards will honor those Americans who have made serving a central part of their lives and show that when you help your neighbor, you are helping your nation.

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