National Service-Learning Clearinghouse

National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
Name	National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
Parent organization	Learn and Serve America, Corporation for National and Community Service

National Service-Learning Clearinghouse is a resource center that provides information and support for service-learning programs, which integrate community service with academic learning, as promoted by John Dewey, Jane Addams, and Dorothy Day. The Clearinghouse is affiliated with the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, and is connected to initiatives such as the National Youth Leadership Council and the Service-Learning National Conference. The Clearinghouse's work is also informed by the research and practices of institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan, as well as organizations like the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.

Introduction

The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse serves as a hub for information, resources, and expertise on service-learning, which is an educational approach that combines community engagement with academic rigor, as seen in programs like Teach For America and City Year. By connecting educators, policymakers, and community leaders, the Clearinghouse aims to promote high-quality service-learning experiences that benefit both students and communities, as envisioned by Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Nelson Mandela. The Clearinghouse's resources and expertise are informed by the work of organizations like the National Council of Teachers of English, the National Council of Mathematics Teachers, and the National Science Teachers Association, as well as institutions like Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Wisconsin–Madison.

History

The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse was established as part of the Learn and Serve America program, which was created by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The Clearinghouse has its roots in the service-learning movement, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by the work of Robert F. Kennedy, Sargent Shriver, and Lady Bird Johnson. Over the years, the Clearinghouse has evolved to meet the changing needs of the service-learning field, with support from organizations like the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Ford Foundation, as well as institutions like Yale University, Duke University, and University of Chicago.

Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse is to support the development of high-quality service-learning programs that promote academic achievement, civic engagement, and community development, as outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act. The Clearinghouse's objectives include providing resources and technical assistance to educators and community leaders, promoting research and evaluation in the field of service-learning, and fostering partnerships between schools, communities, and organizations like the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the American Association of School Administrators, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The Clearinghouse's work is guided by the principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion, as reflected in the work of Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and Cesar Chavez.

Programs_and_Initiatives

The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse offers a range of programs and initiatives to support the development of service-learning in schools and communities, including the Service-Learning National Conference, the National Service-Learning Awards, and the Service-Learning Resource Center. The Clearinghouse also provides resources and support for specific initiatives, such as environmental education, health education, and civic education, as promoted by organizations like the Sierra Club, the American Heart Association, and the National Council for the Social Studies. Additionally, the Clearinghouse partners with organizations like the National 4-H Council, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and the YMCA to promote youth development and community engagement.

Impact_and_Evaluation

The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse has had a significant impact on the development of service-learning programs across the United States, with support from institutions like University of Texas at Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Washington. Evaluations of service-learning programs have shown positive outcomes for students, including improved academic achievement, increased civic engagement, and enhanced social skills, as reported by researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan. The Clearinghouse's resources and expertise have also helped to inform policy and practice at the local, state, and national levels, with input from organizations like the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Organization_and_Partnerships

The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is a federal agency that oversees programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. The Clearinghouse partners with a range of organizations, including Learn and Serve America, the National Youth Leadership Council, and the Service-Learning National Conference, as well as institutions like Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Wisconsin–Madison. The Clearinghouse also collaborates with other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Labor, to promote service-learning and community engagement initiatives, as envisioned by President Barack Obama, President George W. Bush, and President Jimmy Carter.

Category:Service-learning