The holidays are the most popular time of year for volunteering in the community, as the spirit of giving is in the air (and schedules are often more flexible away from work and school).
At many schools, however, community service — and service learning — is regularly incorporated into classroom curriculum and lessons throughout the year.
At Kirby Hall School, we believe whole-heartedly in teaching our students–from the youngest in Primer classes to high-schoolers– the value and importance of giving back and getting involved.
Why is it important for younger students to learn about community service?
- It teaches empathy early on and exposes children to different situations outside of their own.
- Kids are encouraged to cooperate and work together as a team towards a common goal of improving conditions for those other than themselves.
- Real world life skills come alive outside of the classroom. For example, health and nutrition lessons learned in science class can guide students in preparing care packages for those in homeless shelters needing food and basic hygiene products.
How can community service help older students with college admissions?
In a survey published in Forbes last year, 58% of the nearly 265 college admissions officers polled agreed that community service had a positive impact on a student’s acceptance–even becoming the deciding-factor between two candidates if necessary.
Community service in high school additionally helps students:
- Develop leadership skills.
- Gain insight into various fields of interest for potential study in college.
- Opens doors to numerous scholarship opportunities based on volunteer hours.
This year as part of our community service efforts and in honor of Giving Tuesday on December 3, Kirby Hall students partnered with the Austin Humane Society. They collected donations for much-needed items to help care for and feed the animals while learning about how an animal shelter operates. In the past, our students have worked with Austin Sunshine Camps, Central Texas Food Bank, Cuz Ranch, and Blue Santa here in the local Austin community.
Since 1976, Kirby Hall School has been leaving a legacy of academic success in a loving, nurturing environment for children in PreK-4 through 12th grade. To learn more about Kirby Hall in Austin, Texas, or to schedule a tour, please visit us here.
