Community Service Learning
Service-Learning is a highly engaging method of teaching and way of learning; students use academic knowledge and skills to meet real community needs through service activities connected to their curriculum. Recent research demonstrates that effective service-learning increases student engagement and academic achievement, develops civic attitudes and behaviors, and builds personal and social skills. Research also supports that service-learning can be an effective strategy to reduce drop out rates and prevent risk behaviors.
PeaceJam@Pittsfield High School
This year’s PeaceJam Northeast Youth Conference, with 1992 Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum from Guatemala, was held on April 4-5 at Elms College in Chicopee, MA. PeaceJam @ PHS students attended and presented their Global Call to Action project to Rigoberta and their peers. They had the opportunity to interact with Rigoberta, other PeaceJam Ambassadors youth and advisors from around the Northeast, and college student mentors. They deepened their understanding of key issues related to peace and social justice, and attended workshops to raise awareness and build skills. This year, participants also learned from skilled community organizers how to organize and run an effective rally.
PeaceJam @ PHS students presented their Global Call to Action project: organizing and attending the week-long work camp that they completed over February vacation in New York City. Fourteen students worked in twelve different food pantries, soup kitchens and other programs to help those in need in the city. They also spent time learning about the causes of homelessness in the city and what programs are available to aid those in need. Their long-term goal is to use this knowledge to begin to work in Pittsfield to address the rising numbers of people who have been affected by the issues of poverty, homelessness, and hunger.