Service learning allows students to apply their academic skills in addressing real world problems. The link between classroom education and its application to solving problems becomes evident through service projects. Key elements of effective service learning programs include needs assessment, meaningful service, structured reflection, celebration and recognition and evaluation.

The 21st Century Community Schoolhouse strives to connect students with their local and global communities. Our goal is to foster a variety of academic skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork in an integrated setting.  Service learning is a viable method for meeting our school's academic goals. 

The Mentoring Program at The Community Schoolhouse also offers a simple yet effective learning environment for students to develop skills in a variety of career areas. These skills can be quite useful in completing various service projects.  As our school progresses into the future, the two programs will become more and more intertwined in the lives of our students and their relationship with the local community. 

During the course of this school year, students have engaged in a variety of service projects. Our student body is establishing a relationship with Grant Community School through projects like "Cat in the Hat Read Across America Day."  Community Schoolhouse students are also teaching the STARS (Student's Today Aren't Ready for Sex) program in classrooms at Grant School. Three of our students are placed in internships at Grant mentoring younger students.

Members of The Community Schoolhouse have assisted families in need during the holidays, conducted food drives to help supply the local food pantry, visited elderly community residents in local retirement homes, and participated in local environmental cleanup activities such as Down By the Riverside sponsored by Stop Oregon Litter & Vandalism (SOLV). 

Students are currently preparing to plant a community garden to raise produce for local food banks.  Additionally, a partnership with the Salem Lion's Club is in the planning stages to help raise money to provide eye glasses for children who are unable to afford them. 

Community Schoolhouse students also participate in two task forces evaluating business concerns related to youth in the downtown area. The task forces are coordinated by the Salem Downtown Association and Salem Area Transit Mall.  

In the future, students from The Community Schoolhouse will continue to expand their service projects within the Salem-Keizer community. Our program next year will allow for additional opportunities to mentor youth, engage senior citizens in our program, address environmental issues, and explore yet undetermined needs within our community.