STEMester of Service Grants

Contingent on federal funding, Youth Service America (YSA) will implement a program to support middle school science teachers and service-learning coordinators to strengthen their classroom practices through service-learning, a teaching method that combines meaningful service with curriculum or program-based learning. The grant targets students from disadvantaged circumstances in states with the highest drop out rates in the nation (Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Washington).

STEMester of Service engages middle school youth in science and technology-focused service-learning projects that address community problems. Research shows that service-learning connects students to their schools and communities while improving academic achievement. Semester-long service-learning opportunities incorporate youth voice and opportunities for reflection, are connected to educational standards, and demonstrate community impact. With training and preparation occurring in the fall for grantees, school programs will launch on Martin Luther King Day, January 18, 2010, and culminate on Global Youth Service Day, April 23-25, 2010.

The program components include:

• Annual competitive $5,000 grant for teachers or service-learning coordinators. ($1,000 of the grant will be applied toward travel for professional development.)
• Additional $500 to subsidize a stipend for an “ally” located in each school who will support the grantee and help to establish a more sustainable program at their school.
• Training and professional development, including participation at YSA’s Youth Service Institute in Washington, D.C, October 2009.
• Resources such as curriculum guides and project ideas aligned to academic standards to help grantees plan and implement STEMemester of Service.
• Technical assistance and personalized online support from YSA.
• National recognition and visibility through YSA communications and outreach initiatives.

Grantees will engage up to 75 six through eighth-graders in a semester-long service-learning program. With a focus on environmental concerns, STEMester of Service’s goals include addressing community problems, encouraging students to explore STEM careers, and preventing early dropout. Environmental issues addressed can include green space availability, health effects, climate change, and disaster management. The projects should provide students with opportunities to use technology to deepen and demonstrate their learning.
Who is eligible

1. Teachers, administrators and service-learning coordinators in middle schools
2. Staff and service-learning coordinators in afterschool programs
3. The schools and after-school programs must be located in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Washington.

How to apply

Please begin by completing our Eligibility Quiz. If you are eligible, you will be given access the application materials.

Timeline

• Application deadline: July 15, 2009
• Notification: August 30, 2009
• Programs take place September 2009-June 2010

Questions? Email stem@ysa.org.
Go to http://ysa.org/MyYSA/YSAContent/YSANews/tabid/219/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/150/STEMesterofServiceGrants.aspx for more information.