Summer of Service

In April 2009, President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which called for an expansion of national service including new resources for Summer of Service (SOS) programs, an initiative to build a network of intensive summer service-learning opportunities for middle and early high school youth. A national SOS network would provide young teens with a positive experience that reinforces community connections, enlivens their education, and strengthens personal and civic values. At the same time, communities across America might find an important new resource in their own backyards – young people who are ready to serve, if only they are asked and provided the opportunity to do so.

Earth Force has partnered with Innovations in Civic Participation to provide 375 youth a unique summer experience in which they get to give back to their communities, learn about and solve community issues, and connect with mentors.

Funded through Wal-mart, Earth Force is planning programs for the 2012 summer in Belen, NM; Raleigh, NC; Georgetown, SC; and Denver, CO. In past programs, students have planted gardens, led anti-litter campaigns, contacted government officials, and assessed water quality.