By Kari Pardoe
Director of the Michigan LEAGUE

In August of 2006, the school year began a little differently for 42 schools in the State of Michigan.  These schools had committed to joining The LEAGUE, a national program that challenges teachers and students to connect with their community through service.  The LEAGUE Curriculum by Learning to Give seeks to help all children understand and change their world through service-learning.*   LEAGUE schools empower students to engage in a series of service-learning events in the community to address local issues and learn important skills and knowledge tied to Michigan’s curriculum standards. 

The LEAGUE provides service-learning related teaching resources through Learning to Give.  With all materials aligned to MEAP test criterion.  “Educators are given the opportunity to incorporate the concepts of giving, serving, and the community into their lessons, while teaching rigorous material in math, science and English,” stated Russ Mawby, Chairman Emeritus, W.K. Kellogg Foundation.  With recognition via The LEAGUE website, local newspapers, and national media, LEAGUE students and schools can celebrate and be recognized for their impact on local community issues. 

Throughout the year, over 18,000 students participating in The LEAGUE leveraged more than $267,000 in volunteer time and cash contributions has been donated to Michigan non-profits through four service events, all addressing the needs the students see in their communities. 

To round out the remaining school year, schools will be participating in two additional service events, Earth Day on April 21st and a Penny Drive to take place during the week of May 7th.  Earth day encourages environmental stewardship through awareness, problem identification, problem solving, team building and leadership by partnering with local organizations to carry out community projects.  The Penny Drive is a competition within each participating school, which will raise funds for a non-profit organization that the students choose, to address a need that they have identified. 

With thanks to dedicated faculty, these sponsored service-learning events, and the unique Learning To Give curriculum, The LEAGUE has taken off in Michigan.  Service-learning is being implemented into the classroom in increasingly creative ways, proving that learning takes place as much in the community as it does behind a desk.

To find out more about The LEAGUE and how a school can join, or what an organization can do to partner, please contact Kari Pardoe at (313) 309-1668 or at kpardoe@connectmichiganalliance.org  

*Service-Learning is a teaching and learning approach that connects meaningful service to the community with academic learning, helping youth to gain a deeper understanding of what they are learning, to acquire new knowledge and to engage them in civic activity.  For more information on Service-Learning go to http://www.michigan.gov/mcsc/0,1607,7-137-6116_8148---,00.html