Service-Learning is a key strategy at Hands4Hope
The way that Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference’s experienced staff mentors use service-learning strategies to guide youth participants in on-campus Hands4Hope Clubs and after-school Committees is part of what makes participating in Hands4Hope different from other service organizations.
What is Service-Learning?
Service-Learning is an effective learning strategy that couples teaching and hands-on practice where youth build skills to be socially responsible and civic minded through projects developed to fill unmet needs in their own community.
Investigation
Youth learn how to use critical thinking to identify and analyze unmet needs in the community while developing their own interests, skills and talents.
Planning & Preparation
Youth gain knowledge and skills that are aligned with academic and social-emotional objectives. They collaborate to create a plan that addresses a specific unmet community need.
Action
Youth engage in creative service that compliments learning and provides practice in civic mindedness and social responsibility.
Demonstration
Youth work throughout project development to document their process, then showcase their experience by demonstrating insights and outcomes.
Reflection & Evaluation
Youth learn how to reflect on and evaluate a completed project, communicating their feelings, experiences and lessons learned.
Peer Leadership
Youth learn their individual leadership talents and strengths and collaboratively work to guide their peers through the service learning process building skills in communication, problem solving and teamwork.