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Service Learning

Education is paired with community service to allow youth to learn-by-doing, expanding their knowledge of the community and inspiring self-motivated engagement. This program is offered in the fall and spring for children in 3rd - 5th grade. 

Children learn about a specific community need alongside their peers, brainstorm solutions together, volunteer, and reflect on what they have learned in the program while working independently on a personal service project. 

View Spring Service Learning Offerings

​Service Learning helps youth on the pathway to lifelong volunteerism, philanthropy, and community leadership expand on what they have learned through Family Volunteering.

Past Service Learning Program Topics

We offer our Service Learning Programs every spring and fall with a selection of topics that each focus on a different community need. While we offer seven topics in total, only three or four are offered each semester. Read more about each topic area below.

Serving Animals

Animal lovers study the issues that face local animal wildlife and rescued farm animals.

Serving in Nature

Budding nature enthusiasts learn about the specific environmental challenges Austin faces​.

Serving and Peers

Compassionate kids study the issues facing marginalized youth in Central Texas.

Serving with People

Young advocates learn how to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

Serving Pets

Animals lovers study how local animal shelters are rescuing homeless pets in Austin.

Serving with Seniors

Compassionate kids learn about the challenges facing senior citizens in our community.

Review our Service Learning Program FAQs & Policies.

Extension Project Showcase

At the end of the Service Learning Program, participants each complete their own independent extension project, allowing them to follow their passions while making an impact as an individual. Then, each child gets to present their project at our Extension Project Showcase!

A special thank you to Alpha for hosting our Extension Project Showcase at their school every spring and fall!

Highlights from Service Learning - Serving Peers, People & Seniors

Bagging groceries for food pantry recipients

Making thank you cards for volunteers with Senior Access

Preparing backpacks for children in need

Sharing ideas about helping people in poverty

Partner organizations supported by this program:

Aging Services Council of Central Texas
Alzheimer's Association​
Austin Diaper Bank
​Central Texas Food Bank
​Homeless Task Force
For Every Child, Inc.
Foster Village
Love for the Elderly
Micah 6 Pantry
Mobile Loaves & Fishes
​Partnerships for Children
Pop-Up Birthday
SAIVA
Senior Access
STARRY
​Westminster Manor

Highlights from Service Learning - Serving Animals & Pets

Caring for rescued animals at Austin Farm Sanctuary

Feeding rescued farm animals at Simple Sparrow Farm

Making blankets for shelter dogs

Volunteering at Safe In Austin

Partner organizations supported by this program:

Austin Farm Sanctuary
Austin Humane Society
Austin Zoo & Sanctuary
Austin Wildlife Rescue
​Central Texas SPCA
​Emancipet
Guide Dogs of Texas
Safe in Austin
Simple Sparrow Farm

Meeting a tortoise with Austin Wildlife Rescue

Highlights from Service Learning - Serving in Nature

Volunteering at a TreeFolks activity

Cleaning up litter at Austin parks

Sorting donations at Austin Creative Reuse

Students brainstorming how to serve our environment

Partner organizations supported by this program:

Austin Creative Reuse
​Colorado River Alliance
Keep Austin Beautiful
TreeFolks

Cleaning up litter for the Colorado River Authority