The following organizations work with New York City public schools to engage students in community service and service-learning. If you're interested in becoming a partner or posting a resource or opportunity, please email our team.
The American Red Cross in Great New York (ARC/GNY) partners with NYC high school students through Red Cross Clubs in NYC schools. Red Cross Clubs are service groups that aid the mission of ARC/GNY and allow students to help their communities prepare for and respond to disasters, acquire valuable skills, and become lifelong members of the ARC/GNY family.
http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=youth_services
BuildOn partners with US urban high schools to mobilize students through community service and service-learning programs so that they make changes in communities and break the cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations. With their high schools, it also organize community service events for elementary school students to join.
www.buildon.org
A national expert in K-12 service-learning, Cathryn Berger Kaye provides a robust list of service-learning books, authors, and free curriculum resources for educators. She leads multi-day professional development workshops and conferences for teachers, school districts, and nonprofit organizations to develop and expand service-learning.
www.abcdbooks.org
City Harvest is NYC’s food rescue organization, rescuing 33 million pounds of food annually and delivering it to 600 emergency food programs throughout the five boroughs. NYC students can volunteer by organizing food drives for City Harvest and rescuing fresh fruits and vegetables at the Union Square Greenmarket.
http://www.cityharvest.org/
Generation Citizen partners with NYC middle and high schools to lead underrepresented youth through an in-class "action civics" curriculum that allows students to learn about the democratic process by taking action on issues that matter to them. Classroom teachers and trained college "mentors" work together to engage students to analyze community issues, develop civic knowledge, and become change-makers in their own communities.
www.generationcitizen.org
GreenThumb provides technical and material support to NYC urban gardeners. A member of “Grow to Learn NYC: the Citywide School Garden Initiative,” GreenThumb extends support to schools that want to make gardening part of their educational and service-learning experiences.
http://www.greenthumbnyc.org/
http://www.growtolearn.org/
Kids Creative offers arts-based, peace education programs for Pre-K-12th grade students through its after-school programs, summer camps, and workshops and professional development for teachers. Its programs foster confidence, creativity, conflict resolution, and anti-bullying strategies for students to lead and serve their communities. High school students also have an opportunity to serve by leading younger participants in its annual summer camp.
www.kidscreative.org
Part of a network of museums across the country, this New York based museum has various programs to engage middle and high school students in the important dialogue to reduce and prevent bullying, racism, and prejudice. It offers interactive educational exhibits that address the history of international human rights and promote social action and community service. Classrooms and may engage in tours and day-long programs, and teachers may participate in professional development workshops to expand social awareness and activism in schools.
www.museumoftolerance.com
As part of City’s Age-Friendly initiative to make New York City more livable for older residents, the NYC Department for the Aging developed the Innovative Senior Centers. These centers welcome NYC high school volunteers to support their services for seniors, including robust health and wellness programs, arts and cultural programs, and technology.
www.nyc.gov/aging
Led by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, Teen ACTION (Achieving Change Together In Our Neighborhoods) is an after-school service-learning program that provides structured learning, community service projects, and reflection for participating students in grades 7-10. Students develop responsible life skills while making meaningful contributions to their school and community.
www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/afterschool/teen_action.shtml
Based at the Teachers College at Columbia University, this two-year teacher training program prepares returned Peace Corps Volunteers to become dedicated service-learning teachers in high-needs NYC public schools. Designed by Peace Corps Fellows and staff, its Urban Education Clearinghouse provides lesson plans and community resources for all urban teachers.
www.tc.columbia.edu/pcfellows
A program of the nonprofit organization Stoked, “Stoked to Serve” combines the power of community service with action sports culture. Students in grades 8-12 can volunteer at NYC service events that include sports lessons. Students beautify the very same parks, beaches, and community gardens where they take skateboarding or surf lessons.
http://www.stoked.org/
High school students can volunteer at a variety of community service projects organized by Students for Service during the school year. Students volunteer on weekends and holidays, working alongside like-minded teens from across the city and supporting causes and organizations about which they are passionate.
www.studentsforservice.org
YSA educates teachers with strategies to empower youth to be problem-solvers and engages youth to volunteer, succeed academically, and be leaders in their communities. YSA coordinates Global Youth Service Day for students and Semester of Service for schools and provides a wide variety of resources and trainings. It also distributes over $1 million in grants annually to support service-learning.
www.ysa.org
Committed to helping young people become part of the solution to societal problems, this NYC-based organization organizes day-long, overnight and week-long community service programs that serve the homeless and hungry. YSOP works with groups of student volunteers in grades 7-12.
http://www.ysop.org/