Community Service for Kids

Kids in Maryland have yet another test to pass before they'll ever see a high school diploma. The Maryland Department of Education implemented a statewide community service graduation requirement for all public high school students back in 1993.

Some of the most popular community service projects are working with senior citizens, leading storytelling in daycare centers, stream restoration and cleanup, and making pamphlets for drug education. The class of 1997 experienced community service as part of their schooling since they were in 9th grade. According to Luke Frazier, Executive Director of the Maryland Student Service Alliance, the program has worked out just great. "Teens get a lot of messages from the media and adults that they are not really part of the community, and are even sometimes viewed as a threat. Community service gives teens a way to be involved in their communities. They don't have to be separate and stand apart. By becoming involved in their communities they see that the barriers don't have to exist."

The community service program often relates to the kids' academic studies. A group of Maryland students studying World War II had the opportunity to talk with some Senior Citizens who actually fought in the war. Another group of middle school math students put their knowledge of proportions, division, and calculations into real world use when they planned and implemented a fundraiser for a homeless shelter.

Frazier says that to be a success, community service should be developmentally appropriate. A group of elementary school kids might not be able to handle working in a homeless shelter but there are plenty of options when it comes to community service projects. One group of Maryland sixth graders, upset over a classmate's bike accident, developed a service project that focused on how to keep kids safe when riding bikes. This class was instrumental in getting a state-wide bicycle safety bill passed.

Community service also exposes kids to a wide variety of jobs and careers. This year, Frazier heard from some high school seniors who had developed interests in teaching and social work through the statewide program. According to Frazier, "When we talk about students exploring different careers or workplaces -- community service is a great way to do that!"

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