Wyoming
From Service-Learning Wiki
Contents |
History
Many schools in Wyoming have long had service programs. Several schools provide scholarships to recognize individual student contributions.
Learn and Serve projects in the late 1990s included a wetland restoration in western Wyoming and a literacy program in Casper. Alternative high school students in Cheyenne used language arts, history, and workplace skills to help interpret the Old West Museum for the public. Students at the Arapaho Public School installed a computer lab and interviewed elders as a means to preserve tribal oral histories.
In the 1990s, the Wyoming Commission on National and Community Service administered a community-based Learn and Serve program. Casper’s Self-Help Center focused on domestic violence. The Wyoming Girl Scout Council boosted science awareness among girls statewide. Cathedral Home for Children in Laramie also mobilized youth volunteers.
Networks of Support
Support for a statewide service effort has grown with the formation of the nonprofit Serve Wyoming, Inc. In 2004, the governor reestablished the organization as the state’s Commission for National and Community Service to administer AmeriCorps programs and promote volunteerism across the state. In 2005, Wyoming placed all of its allotted AmeriCorps members for the first time in eight years. Serve Wyoming is also key to the overall implementation and oversight of the school-based Learn and Serve programs.
Currently, two school-based service-learning programs are supported with Learn and Serve funds. These programs began operation in 2006 and are funded through the 2008/2009 school year. Positive partnerships and momentum are allowing service-learning initiatives to continue to grow throughout the state.
Additionally, during the past few years, an annual service-learning workshop has been held bringing service-learning practitioner together to advance service-learning programming.
The Wyoming Community Foundation, in partnership with Serve Wyoming, organizes the biannual Wyoming Philanthropy Days/ Service and Volunteerism Conference. During this event, the Spirit of Service Award pays tribute to the most outstanding participants in national service programs — Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and VISTA Serve — as well as an outstanding corporate or foundation partner, and a nonprofit organization, or individual.
Policy Support
No specific service-learning public policies are currently in place, although the impact and importance of service-learning is acknowledged by educational leaders.
Learn and Serve
In 2008, the state received three grants, totaling $124,397 and over 300 students, through the Wyoming Department of Education, Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing, and St. Stephens Indian School Educational Association, Inc.
Currently, in partnership with Serve Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Education, through SEA Kimberly Prey, is administering school-based Learn and Serve funds through two subgrantees in Gillette and Rock Springs. These programs are implemented as part of afterschool programming with a focus on supporting academic achievement and youth development through involvement in service-learning opportunities.
The Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing program receives a tribal Learn and Serve grant for programs in its community.
Youth Contributions
This section is in need of expansion. You can help by expanding it.
Examples of Quality Service-Learning
References
- Cairn, Rich, Neal, Marybeth, and Crossley, Alison. 2006. "State Profiles" in Growing to Greatness 2006. St. Paul: National Youth Leadership Council.
External Links
- Learn and Serve America in Wyoming
- National Service in Wyoming (Corporation for National and Community Service)
- Serve Wyoming
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