2025 NNSP Annual Conference

All schools aim to create successful, contributing members of society. Community service is often seen as a vital path to achieving this goal, with some schools making it a graduation requirement. However, community service has become another item to check off a list for college applications, rather than a meaningful experience. The term “community service” itself implies a one-way street of giving rather than a mutual partnership between students and organizations. _x000D_
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What if we could redefine community service to be more than counting hours? What if it became an opportunity for students to explore their passions and interests, using them to benefit the larger community? This question inspired me during a seminar series by the World Leadership School in spring 2021, leading to my “moonshot project” that integrated service into the school day. This integration is crucial as students are already overwhelmed with extracurriculars, homework, and family commitments. _x000D_
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In June 2021, I presented this idea to the administration, and with their support, we launched the Eagles with a Purpose (EWAP) club in the 2021-22 academic year. Utilizing our school’s block schedule and “X-blocks,” which provided almost two hours for specialized meetings, EWAP met regularly. In our first year, 10 students participated, engaging in various activities such as: hosting guest speakers, including a state Senator, who discussed using skills to benefit the community, writing cards for soldiers, visiting seven non-profits to volunteer, organizing a volunteer fair at our school, collaborating with local non-profits on projects like a kickball game with Gigi’s Playhouse and a bake sale for childhood cancer research. _x000D_
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The success of EWAP led the administration to recognize it as a .5 credit interdisciplinary class. The following year, our numbers grew to 14 students, and we expanded our activities to include a Passion Speaker Interview event, where students interacted with professionals about their career paths and community impact. This past year, with 17 students, we focused on researching issues important to them and partnering with non-profits to create spring action projects. _x000D_
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Students reported significant personal growth and community impact from their participation. Comments included: "EWAP helped me realize the importance of helping my community, even with small acts," "I learned how to host drives and fundraisers, which I can continue in college, " and "This class enhanced my sense of empathy and social responsibility." _x000D_
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Creating a program like EWAP does not require substantial financial investment. Schools need to allocate time in the schedule, have a passionate coordinator, and facilitate off-campus activities. Celebrating students’ work through events and sharing successes with the community can also help gain traction and support from students, parents, and the school board. _x000D_
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In the past three years, EWAP has: Volunteered over 515 hours, visited 15 local non-profits, hosted 13 guest speakers, created 23 projects for non-profits, and enabled 14 community engagement activities. _x000D_
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Schools should be places where students learn to engage with the community, developing skills that benefit them and society. By integrating service into the school day and aligning it with students’ passions, we create meaningful, fulfilling experiences that show students the value of their classroom skills in the real world.