[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H8527-H8528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF THE NATIONAL LEARN AND SERVE CHALLENGE

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1463) recognizing the benefits of 
service-learning as a teaching strategy to effectively engage youth in 
the community and classroom, and supporting the goals of the National 
Learn and Serve Challenge, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1463

       Whereas service-learning is a teaching method that enhances 
     academic learning by integrating classroom content with 
     relevant activities aimed at addressing identified community 
     or school needs;
       Whereas service-learning has been used both in school and 
     community-based settings as a teaching strategy to enhance 
     learning by building on youth experiences, granting youth a 
     voice in learning, and making instructional goals and 
     objectives more relevant to youth;
       Whereas service-learning has been identified as an 
     effective tool in addressing the Nation's dropout epidemic by 
     making education more hands-on and relevant, especially to 
     disadvantaged youth;
       Whereas service-learning provides great benefits to 
     disadvantaged and at-risk youth by building self-confidence, 
     which often translates into overall academic and personal 
     success;
       Whereas service-learning provides not only meaningful 
     experiences, but a greater quantity and quality of 
     interactions between youth and potential mentors in the 
     community;
       Whereas service-learning simultaneously empowers youth as 
     both engaged learners and actively engaged citizens and 
     contributors to the community;
       Whereas youth engaged in service-learning provide critical 
     service to the community by addressing a variety of needs in 
     American towns, cities, and States, including needs such as 
     tutoring for young children, elderly care, community 
     nutrition, disaster relief, environmental stewardship, 
     financial education, public safety, and a host of other 
     needs;
       Whereas far reaching and diverse research shows that 
     service-learning enhances the academic, career, cognitive, 
     and civic development of kindergarten through 12th-grade 
     students, and of higher education students;
       Whereas service-learning strengthens and increases the 
     number of partnerships among institutions of higher 
     education, local schools, and communities, which strengthen 
     communities and improve academic learning;
       Whereas service-learning programs unleash a multitude of 
     skilled and enthusiastic college students to serve in the 
     communities surrounding their colleges;
       Whereas service-learning programs engage students in 
     community-based research and are strengthening the ability of 
     America's nonprofit organizations to meet community needs;
       Whereas Learn and Serve America, the only federally funded 
     program dedicated to service-learning, annually engages over 
     1,500,000 youth in service-learning;
       Whereas Learn and Serve America engages these youth by 
     leveraging public-private investment that leads to a highly 
     cost-effective $25 per participant amount;
       Whereas the National Learn and Serve Challenge is an annual 
     event that takes place from October 6 through October 12 that 
     spotlights the value of service-learning to youth as well as 
     to schools, college campuses, and communities; and
       Whereas the National Learn and Serve Challenge encourages 
     others to launch service-learning activities, and increases 
     the recognition of Learn and Serve America: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the benefits of service-learning in 
     enriching and enhancing academic outcomes for youth, engaging 
     youth in positive experiences in the community, and making 
     more constructive choices regarding their lives;
       (2) encourages schools, school districts, college campuses, 
     community-based organizations, non-profits, and faith-based 
     organizations to work towards providing youth with more 
     service-learning opportunities; and
       (3) expresses support for the goals of the National Learn 
     and Serve Challenge.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Davis) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days 
during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert 
extraneous material on House Resolution 1463 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the benefits of service 
learning as a teaching strategy and to support the goals of the 
National Learn and Serve Challenge.
  Service learning is an educational model that can be used from 
kindergarten to the university level across all subjects and 
disciplines. More than just community service, service learning 
challenges students to apply their classroom lessons by asking them to 
investigate a problem in their community, plan solutions, take action 
through service, and then reflect on their experience.
  By integrating classroom learning with real-world challenges in the 
community, service learning can make school assignments come alive for 
our students. At the same time, we are also encouraging our young 
people to help improve our local neighborhoods. Studies have shown a 
connection between service learning and higher academic achievement, 
enhanced classroom engagement, increased attendance, better problem 
solving skills, and a deeper understanding of cognitive complexities.
  Research also suggests that students involved in service-learning 
opportunities build self-confidence, leadership skills, and increase 
their tolerance of others. This all makes service learning a successful 
strategy in reducing negative behaviors such as those that lead to 
dropping out, arrest, or unintended pregnancies.
  In addition, service learning promotes involvement in our democracy, 
development of strong ethics, and a sense of social responsibilities. 
For example, studies have shown that high school students that 
participated in service learning are more likely to vote 15 years after 
their experience than those that did not participate.
  And finally, students who are exposed to service learning build 
important social and personal skills. Service learning is an onramp to 
civic engagement for a lifetime.
  In order to call attention to the many benefits of service learning, 
the National Learn and Serve Challenge will take place October 6-12. 
This week-long nationwide celebration of service will raise awareness 
of service learning and foster collaborative partnerships between local 
schools, institutions of higher education, and their surrounding 
communities. The organization has set an ambitious goal of having 5 
million college students and 50 percent of K-12 schools engaged in 
meaningful service by 2010.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for the National Learn 
and Serve Challenge, and I encourage more schools to take advantage of 
the many benefits service learning can have on our students and our 
communities.
  I urge the adoption of this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 1463 which recognizes the 
benefits of service learning as a teaching strategy to effectively 
engage youth in the community and classroom, and it supports the goals 
of the National Learn and Serve Challenge.
  Young Americans, from kindergartners to college students, have the 
desire, power, and ability to make a real difference in their 
communities. Service learning offers a unique opportunity for them to 
get involved in a concrete way by integrating community service 
projects with classroom learning. It enriches the learning experience, 
teaches civic responsibility, and strengthens communities.
  Research has shown that service-learning programs can have positive

[[Page H8528]]

impacts on youth in three general areas: academic engagement and 
achievement; civic attitudes and behaviors; and social and personal 
skills. The studies also demonstrate that students gain the maximum 
benefit when their service-learning experience includes a direct tie to 
the curriculum, planning, and design of service projects by students, 
structured reflection on the service experience in the classroom, and 
continuity of service for at least one semester.
  Service-learning programs work. They meet the Nation's needs by 
putting the talents and energies of America's youth to work solving 
real issues in their communities such as homelessness, elderly care, 
and illiteracy. In addition, students' lives are enriched through 
service learning as they become engaged in their own educational 
process. We see the results and benefits of the work they do, and they 
become civic-minded Americans who make a contribution to the 
communities in which they live.
  Learn and Service America is the only Federally funded program 
dedicated to service learning and enables over 1.5 million students to 
make meaningful contributions to their community while building 
academic and civic skills. Through its annual week-long National Learn 
and Serve Challenge, the program spotlights the value of service 
learning to youth, schools, and communities and instills an ethic of 
lifelong community service.
  In light of the recent natural disasters that have stricken our 
Nation, it is important that young people are encouraged to incorporate 
service into their lives and make a difference in their community and 
country. The intangible benefits alone--such as pride, satisfaction, 
and accomplishment--are worthwhile reasons to serve.
  Today I applaud the efforts of Learn and Serve America and the 
millions of dedicated youth volunteers for their service, and I would 
like to encourage all Americans to work together so we can more 
effectively meet the pressing needs facing our Nation.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

                              {time}  1515

  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this 
resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1463, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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