service learning projects
Service learning, an important component of the Appalachian Youth to Youth program, empowers youth to lead and learn through giving back to the community. When students volunteer their time and energy to help meet community needs, they not only gain new skills and experiences, but gain a sense of self-efficacy and belonging by tangibly adding value to their community. Youth also gain empathy through exposure to new people and environments and the process of identifying community needs. The sense of connectedness to community and improved social and emotional skills gained from service learning projects serve as protective factors against substance use and other adverse outcomes in youth.
Service learning projects in Youth to Youth are youth-led, based on the interests of each individual group. Some examples of projects include the following:
- Volunteering at the animal shelter to socialize animals awaiting adoption.
- Serving as “reading buddies” to elementary school children.
- Building and maintaining a Little Free Library, a miniature lending library located in a public space, stocked with books for children and the elderly.
- Helping with property maintenance and beautification at the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center, a local non-profit that provides therapeutic horseback riding for persons with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional challenges.
- Writing cards for the elderly to be sent with Meals-On-Wheels deliveries.
- Distributing medication lockboxes as a part of the Lock Your Meds campaign to prevent substance misuse.
