2019-2020 Service Learning Groups

Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich each student's academic experience, teach civic and ethical responsibility, and strengthen communities for the common good. Built into the curriculum and the school schedule, the Service Learning program guides students as they take abstract concepts and apply them in real-world situations. Students meet during a weekly 80-minute block to hone their skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Service projects require students to collaborate with local and global communities to reach concrete, realistic goals.

This year's Upper School Service Learning groups include:

Alternative Energy Sources - Using chemistry to find greener solutions
Amnesty International – Campaigning for human rights around the world
The Archive – Producing videos for Service Learning groups and local non-profits
Building Blocks - Working with children at EES preschools
C.O.R.E. - Cancer outreach, research, empathy
Education Empowerment - tutoring at Boys & Girls Club
Education Near & Far - STEM workshops for underserved kids
El Salvador - Teacher-led group that supports students and scholarships
FAST - Assisting special-needs teens at a partner school
Firebird Radio – Giving a voice to those who want to be heard (through podcasting)
Global School Connections - Supporting underfunded schools in China, India, and other developing nations
Fundación Impacto - Educating orphans in Tijuana
Global Vantage - Magazine in partnership with other schools to support service projects around the world
Hands of Peace- Promoting conflict resolution in the Middle East
Health Nuts – Addressing nutrition shortfalls and food waste in our region
H.E.L.L.O. - Supporting Syrians and other refugees new to San Diego
Kids for Peace - Promoting kindness and understanding in schools
Lunchbox - Low-cost meals to students in need
Million Knots – Supporting girls’ education in India
The Nest – Producing school spirit-wear and granting profits to other service groups
New Haven Night Shelter - Supporting a men’s shelter in South Africa
New Ocean Blue - Educating children about the dangers of plastics pollution
Notes of Hope - Using music to improve the lives of children and senior citizens
On Pointe – Spreading joy through dance and funding dance scholarships
Opportunity for Athletes – Partnering with CAF to provide adaptive sports equipment
Priceless – Addressing the issue of human trafficking overseas and in San Diego
Rainbow Connection - Empowering the LGBTQ+ community and supporting equity for all
Revere - Championing women’s issues and supporting at-risk girls
San Diego Chill - Ice hockey league for disabled children
Scatter Packs - Donating school supplies and packs to students
Sea Safe Surf - Beach clean-up and access to surfing for people with disabilities
Tech Team - Supporting the IT Department and assisting service groups with programming and networking needs
Vision - Operatons for dental and vision correction in India
WIND – Supporting communities impacted by natural disasters
Woof Pack - Advocating for homeless animals

Middle School students rotate each trimester among eight Service Learning opportunities. Most groups visit their local partners weekly:

Animal Allies – Assisting at a county animal shelter
Arc of San Diego – Engaging with developmentally disabled adults
Conservation – Working at local preserve site in Carlsbad, planting native species
Head Start – Working with economically disadvantaged preschoolers
Jefferson Elementary – Teaching Spanish to local elementary school children
La Posada – Assisting at a transitional homeless center
Senior Connection – Engaging with residents at a local retirement home and memory care center
Sustainability - Learning about organic farming, waste management, water conservation, etc.
Trails – Cleaning and maintaining the Carlsbad trails system near campus