Summer of Service and College Access
Summer of Service is a “big idea” with potential to reverse negative trends for young teens and increase success in high school and potential for success in post-secondary education, while strengthening communities at the same time. By engaging in service-learning, students gain a better perspective of why academic knowledge and skills are important because they see the application of that knowledge in the ‘real world.’ Students feel empowered in their ability to contribute to their communities, but also realize that the more knowledge and skills they gain (i.e., through a college education), the more they can contribute to improving their lives and the lives of others. On a more pragmatic level, colleges and universities are increasingly expecting and requiring community service experience as part of the admissions process. By expanding the opportunities for disadvantaged young people to engage in SOS programs, they too will be able to list community service as part of their college applications.
Innovations in Civic Participation is partnering with KnowHow2Go to promote SOS as a strategy for increasing college access.
KnowHow2Go is a national college access campaign – sponsored by the American Council on Education (ACE), Lumina Foundation for Education and the Ad Council – that encourages and prepares low-income 8th through 10th graders to actively pursue higher education. This multiyear, multimedia effort includes television, radio and outdoor public service advertisements (PSAs), and is supported by a grassroots network of partners.
For materials and information on college access visit the KnowHow2Go website.