STEM/Service-Learning
Information Session
California STEM Service-Learning Initiative
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
In collaboration with
Santa Barbara County Education Office &
California Department of Education
Office of Christine Lizardi Frazier
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Advocates for Children
Introductions
 Name
 School
 Subject
KernServe Initiative
Michael Figueroa
KernServe Program Manager
KernServe Initiative Districts: Maricopa, Richland,
Wasco Elementary, Kern High, Tehachapi, Fruitvale,
Southern Kern, Delano High, KCSOS Court &
Community Schools
KernServe provides professional development and
technical assistance, mini-grants, transportation, and
capacity building for service-learning in the school
districts listed above
California STEM Service-Learning Initiative
Information Session Summary
 Funding
 Purpose
 STEM
 Service-Learning
 Application Process
 Requirements
 Questions
Funding
Purpose
The California Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) ServiceLearning Initiative seeks to promote STEM-based service-learning opportunities
for all students-especially female and underrepresented minorities. The initiative
also looks to increase student interest in pursuing STEM-related careers and
postsecondary study.
For more information, visit
http://www.calstem.org/
What is STEM?




Science
Technology
Engineering
Math
What is Service-Learning?
Service-Learning is an instructional strategy that connects academic
curriculum to meeting real community needs through service. This
methodology allows students the opportunity to learn and develop
through meaningful experiences and active civic participation.
•Integrated Learning
•High-Quality Service
•Collaboration
•Student Voice
•Civic Responsibility
•Reflection
•Evaluation
Review Handout: Seven
Elements of High-Quality
Service-Learning
Community Service vs Service-Learning
Community Service
•Usually done on a co-curricular basis
for personal growth or for group
bonding.
•Does not usually carry academic
credit.
•Planning is often the responsibility of
those providing the service.
•Often viewed as a project, program,
or experience, rather than a pedagogy.
•While "student learning" is likely to
take place, it is not an intentional or
primary focus.
Service-Learning
•Integrates academic study with community
service in a way that makes "learning"
more intentional (e.g., through reflective
writing, group discussions, and other
activities).
•Incorporates the concept of "mutuality"
(i.e., several parties are included in the
planning of the program, such as faculty,
students, and those being "served").
•Fosters participant learning about the
larger social issues that are driving the
need for service.
•Frames "service" in terms of social justice
instead of in terms of charity.
•Emphasizes a rhythm of reflection-actionreflection.
Community Service vs Service-Learning
Community Service vs. Service Learning: Service learning projects
emphasize both the service and the learning. By applying classroom
content to community settings, service-learning is a way to provide
more authenticity and purpose for classroom learning. By contrast,
community service emphasizes the habits and skills of volunteerism.
Community Service
•Students participate as volunteers in a
planned community clean-up.
Service-Learning
•Students feel their local park is unsafe
because of drug and alcohol users.
Students organize a park clean-up event
with local waste management. Garbage is
separated into two categories: 1) drug and
alcohol related 2) non-drug and alcohol
related. Garbage is measured and results
are graphed. Students design a
powerpoint presentation to present to
Parks and Recreation Board in an attempt
to pass an ordinance that requires a permit
for alcohol use at the park.
Application of Intent to Participate
Components
• Contact Information
• Principal/Administrator Approval
• Project Title
• Two Content Standards Addressed in Project
• Brief Description of Project (150 words or less)
Application Process





Applications are due September 24, 2010 by 5pm (please
ignore the September 20 deadline on application).
The applications will be reviewed by the team in Santa
Barbara. Teachers must submit one copy by email to
Belinda Sellars at bsellars@sbceo.org AND a SIGNED fax
copy to Lorie Flores at 805-563-1103
This is a competitive process (total of 15 spots); however,
the counties in Region 8 will work together to accept as
many teachers into the network as possible.
As a consortium, we encourage all interested teachers to
apply.
Please refer to Region 8 STEM S-L Consortium Frequently
Asked Questions for more information
Requirements

To receive $750 stipend, teachers must:
 Submit an application
 Teach a unit with a focus on energy use, conservation,
and/or alternative energy (all STEM related projects will be
considered but priority will be given to conservation related
projects). Only 6-12 grade teachers will be considered.
 Participate in the following activities:
 October Meet and Greet
 January STEM Training (3 days/expenses covered)
 Tentative dates Jan 25-27…Aloft Hotel in Rancho
Cucamonga.
 March Telephone Conference
 April Sharing
Questions?
Contact
Michael Figueroa
KernServe Program Manager
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
School Community Partnerships
1300 17th St – University Square
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: 661-636-4487
Fax: 661-636-4329
Email: mifigueroa@kern.org