Private Schools in NYC often have volunteerism requirements set in place for students in addition to the larger coursework and GPA expectations for qualification of graduations. Special requirements such as Community Service Courses are becoming increasingly popular in both private schools and public schools around the city as a new generation grows and realizes that they, too, can make a difference.
Though some detractors feel that forced volunteerism is not actually volunteering, the purpose of these types of school requirements are two fold. Firstly, the school and students are able to “give back” to their local and even international communities by helping, teaching and becoming involved. The second benefit of these programs is a direct benefit to the student. These types of requirements allow a student to explore activities and programs that form the foundation for lifelong interests, careers and hobbies that they may have otherwise never been exposed to.
The belief behind many community service programs in schools is that they foster a feeling of responsibility to the community and instill a sense of self worth beyond the self. Community service opportunities teach students that education goes beyond the boundaries of the school or home, and that it is something that requires action and initiative.
As an example of this type of requirement in a private school, York Prep in NYC says:
[students] gain valuable experiences through community service. Community service facilitates civic engagement and makes students aware of and sensitive to the needs of humanity. Many have traveled to developing countries to assist in the construction of schoolhouses, bridges, and parks while immersing themselves in a culture other than their own. York Prep’s community service requirement is 25 hours per year of high school attendance.
The NY Daily News recently reported on Private Schools and Community Service initiatives
At Regis High School, administrators and students see volunteering as a way to give back.
Students at the exclusive Jesuit college preparatory school who are involved with the Christian Service Program assist the homebound, homeless, sick, physically and mentally challenged.
“Some of them don’t even see anyone; they don’t have any family,” Penero said. “The only human contacts they have are the people who deliver to them. I guess the most remarkable experience being here for me will be the people who love talking to us.”
“These are pretty privileged students in our school,” said Audrey Maurer, Regis’ coordinator of external programs. “They suddenly realize they are meeting situations and even people who are deprived and really need help. It’s another world.”
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