STUDENT SERVICE
LEARNING
A United Way
Initiative
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What is SSL?
Student Service Learning (SSL) is a program that
offers a unique opportunity for all students in
grades nine through twelve in Ottawa County to
engage in service projects and philanthropic
learning within their community.
Through this process students learn how
to become productive community members.
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WHY SSL?
A national study suggests that effective service-learning
programs improve grades, increase attendance in school,
and develop students' personal and social responsibility. A
growing body of research recognizes service-learning as an
effective strategy to help students by:
• Promoting learning through active participation in service experiences;
• Providing structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and
writing about their service experience;
• Providing an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life
situations;
• Extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community; and
• Fostering a sense of caring for others.
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SSL Activities
The goals of the program are achieved through many types of
activities:
• Signature Events – Day of Caring, Rake –A- Difference, Adopt-A-
Beach, Alternative Spring Break, Interact and more.
• Governance Opportunities – HYAC, committee membership, task
force membership, Leadership Councils, NHS, and more.
• Mentoring & Tutoring – CHILL, CASA, The Zee Bus and more.
• Non-profit Agency Volunteerism – United Way Volunteer Solutions
has over 100 volunteer opportunities available at all times.
• Community Organizations – Rotary, Kiwanis, Community Foundation,
Chambers, Churches, and Community events.
• Job Partnering – United Way matches students with professional
partners in vocations that interest the student.
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Award Requirements
Students that successfully complete 100 or more service hours
will be awarded with:
•Greater Ottawa County United Way Service Learning
Certificate
Students that successfully complete 400 or more service hours
will be awarded with:
•Michigan Governor’s Service Learning Award
•Volunteer Centers of Michigan Student Service Learning
Medallion
•Laptop Scholarship
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Benefits of SSL?
To the Student:
Studies show that Students who participate in SSL;
• Have higher grades
• Have better attendance
• Have a better sense of belonging to their community
To the School System:
• Comprehensive access for students to become engaged in
service learning
• enhances current school programs including Social Studies,
National Honor Society, Interact, current & future graduation
requirements and academic achievements.
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Benefits of SSL?
To the Community:
A systematic approach of connecting community youth to
service learning in their community
• Leveraging labor support
• Taking the talents of the next generation and implanting
community youth into the community
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Student servicestudent service learning video learn
video
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What does United Way provide ?
• Classroom recruitment presentations
• Comprehensive student binder including Volunteer
hours log sheet, evaluation forms, instructions, Job
Partnering application
• Volunteer Solutions, a United Way web based
search engine and database for civic engagement in
Ottawa County
• Marketing pieces
• Signature regional events throughout the year
• Student Advocacy and Support
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What does the School System provide?
• Allow access to all students with a class presentation
• An on-site advocate that acts as a student liaison for
United Way & students
• A collection / distribution point for information outside of
classroom presentations
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OH, ONE MORE THING…….
………IT”S FREE!
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