Ensuring Quality Service-Learning Experiences for At-Risk Adolescents

Service-learning is one way of reconstructing educators’ thinking about adolescents who demonstrate at-risk behaviors. It allows educators and others to involve youth considered to be “at risk” in talking about their concerns and interests, solving problems, and making decisions as they construct their own identities with the help and collaboration of supportive adults.

This article discusses how service-learning can be optimally done using the eight service-learning standards. It then showcases how the eight standards are used in two real-world service-learning programs: “Animal Welfare” in which youth worked with a local animal shelter and spay neuter clinic; and “Never Chat With Strangers” in which youth learned about staying safe online and then developed a four-part presentation which they gave to other teens, younger students, and adults.