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To read more about Service-Learning, visit the ECS Issue Site on Service-Learning.

To read more about civic education, visit the ECS Issue Site on Citizenship/Character Education.

Do you have information you would like to share in future issues of Citizenship Matters? Send submissions to Brady Delander at bdelander@ecs.org.

The ECS National Center for Learning and Citizenship (NCLC) assists state and district policymakers and educators developing policies that support K-12 school-based service-learning opportunities. These educational experiences help students acquire the skills, values, knowledge and practice necessary to be effective citizens. The NCLC identifies and analyzes policies and practices that support effective civic education, creates and disseminates publications for education stakeholders, and convenes meetings to develop a collective voice for citizenship education and civic mission of schools. NCLC also encourages policy support and system structures to integrate service-learning into schools and communities. For more information, visit www.ecs.org/nclc.

Sen. Richard T. Moore: Falling Short in Civic Education
Massachusetts State Senator Richard T. Moore highlights a major and ongoing concern in the field of civic learning and education-namely, that students are not learning nearly enough about how the government operates and what it means to be a contributing citizen. "In order for our democracy to endure, we must be prepared with knowledge of government and the practices of an engaged citizenry. Unfortunately, our schools must devote so much of class time to preparing students to pass statewide exams in language arts, math, and science, that there seems to be no time to teach the fundamentals of citizenship."

California
At the Civic Learning California Summit in March, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakuaye outlined a two-pronged approach for California's future: 1) work with the Department of Education to keep children in school and out of court and 2) stimulate the students of today with knowledge of the world around them so that they can then change this world for the better. 

Massachusetts
In what could end up being a landmark initiative in the country, the Massachusetts' Board of Higher Education embarked on a mission to track how well state institutions foster civic engagement on their campuses. Some local experts see the move as a response to the greater emphasis

placed on job training, especially for science and technology careers, in higher education in recent years. While state officials have been vocal in highlighting colleges' role as work force development centers, some faculty members have quietly been telling the Board of Higher Education that there's another component to producing successful graduates.

Illinois
In an effort to offer high-quality civic learning opportunities for youth ages 12-22, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation will invest $1.4 million in Chicago-area civic education and engagement initiatives in 2013. "By supporting work that exposes young people to civic knowledge and provides meaningful experiences to engage with civic institutions, we can help fully prepare our youth to take the reins and become active and effective participants in the civic life of our community," said David Hiller, president and CEO of McCormick.

Western Michigan University Recognized for Service-Learning Efforts
The Corporation for National and Community Service has named Western Michigan University to a select list of the nation's colleges and universities that earned a slot on the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll With Distinction.

Maine Offers a Guide on Service-Learning
Research shows all models of service-learning, when done right, are a great dropout-prevention strategy and have the potential to increase the attendance and engagement of students in classrooms and schools. “Service-Learning in Maine: A Guide to Quality Service-Learning” examines approaches that are having a positive effect in that state.

Paul Baumann Named to Colorado Campus Compact Board
NCLC Director Paul Baumann has had a very busy start to 2013. The Colorado Campus Compact recently added Baumann to its Board of Directors, which strengthens an already solid relationship. Baumann also attended an April conference on civics education held at Harvard University that featured an outstanding lineup of speakers and presenters, including Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and David Souter.

Peace First Prize
The Peace First Prize is a national search for young people, ages 8-22, leading courageous social change in their schools and communities. The Prize celebrates these young leaders and will award a select group of winners each with a $50,000 fellowship to further their peacemaking work. More than just a prize, Peace First will invest in the long-term ability of winners to become national peace leaders. With less than two weeks left

until the April 12, 2013, application deadline, you are urged you to nominate a young person you know who has taken a stand, demonstrated compassion,  or worked with others to create change in their school or community. Simply nominating a young person is a powerful testament of your belief in their work as a peacemaker and leader.  Please reach out today to tell a young person that you know the power and importance of their leadership. To nominate someone today, and to learn more about the Peace First Prize, visit www.peacefirst.org/prize.