A service year is an opportunity to develop real-world skills through hands-on service.

“I would definitely encourage my friends to do a service year. I think that it's a great opportunity to take what you've learned in school and apply to real world experience.”

“Service empowered me to realize that I--we--can make a real, large, and tangible difference. We have the ability to be change agents in the world.”

“I do think it’s important for people to work across different backgrounds. I think our country would be a better place, because people would be open to new experiences and be able to see and hear other people’s perspectives.”

“This experience has changed my life in ways  I could have never imagined and I am forever grateful to have done a service year.”

I served in an under-resourced middle school to help get students on track to graduation. The service year experience was challenging, but knowing that I was making an impact on the lives of others made it so empowering.

“I feel like every child deserve access to the arts because they are just as important as literacy and math. Through the arts, they can learn skills like self-discipline and civic engagement. It provides them an opportunity to take a risk, step out of their shells, and allows them to explore their voice in a different way.”