Rooted in the core value of stewardship, community service has always been an important piece of a University High School career. From initial partnerships with Brooke’s Place, the Lord’s Pantry and IPS School #54, to current opportunities like Riley Dance Marathon and Relay for Life, University students have sought out meaningful ways to engage the world around them. This year, the school has chosen service, and service learning, as a focal point, and the faculty and students are preparing to embark on what we are calling a Year of Service.
The Year of Service model is based on programming created by Youth Service America and is intended to guide students toward authentic, sustainable, and long-term service goals designed to make a significant impact. Beginning in September, all students and faculty will pick a cause for which they hold a passion. After these issue groups are formed, the each group will spend a “Kick-off Day” dedicated to developing a year-long plan of servicearound their topic. The scope and focus of the plans will be determined by the group; some may chose to partner with local organizations for direct service opportunities (i.e. serving food at a soup kitchen, or volunteering at the Humane Society), and others may decide on fundraising or spreading awareness. Once initial plans are in place, time will be dedicated throughout the year for groups to pursue these projects, report out on their progress, and reflect on what they have done.
By dedicating time to service projects that include research, planning, leadership, action, reflection, and opportunities to share, we hope to provide our students with an experience that reaches beyond logging hours or donating supplies. In this way, stewardship will continue to be a value not only observed but lived at University High School. Contact us if you have any questions about the Year of Service!