National Nonprofit Ensures Federal Resources Remain Free and Accessible

ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Saint Paul based National Youth Leadership Council has ensured that the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), will remain America's most comprehensive service-learning resource after federal budget cuts threatened to close the site.

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"NYLC has been a leader in strengthening schools and communities through service-learning for 30 years," said Kelita Bak, CEO. "We convene intergenerational leaders, partner with schools to improve academic outcomes, and we engage youth as leaders in their own education. We could not stand by and watch the Clearinghouse go dark after cuts to CNCS forced the termination of funding for Learn and Serve America, and ultimately, an end to an amazing resource center that has operated since 2001. As we look at what NYLC wants to accomplish in the next 30 years, the depth of knowledge, research, and what works contained in the Clearinghouse is key to advancing this educational strategy for increasing academic and youth development outcomes while inspiring youth to serve their communities."

The Clearinghouse offers thousands of free online resources for K-12, higher education, community based organizations and tribal communities, and is the nation's largest library of service-learning research, data, tools, and materials. The current site will be integrated into the Generator School Network, NYLC's free online community designed to connect adults and youth who are passionate about engaging young people as leaders. To access the Clearinghouse you will not have to join the GSN but you will need to join in order to share or contribute to the site. The GSN provides free professional development opportunities such as webinars and access to hundreds of projects posted by professionals from the field. It also acts as a meeting space to convene peers from anywhere in the world and access to more than 200 active conversations.

The University of Nebraska-Omaha's Criss Library will host the physical library collection. The Barbara A. Holland Collection of Service Learning and Community Engagement will be housed on the main floor of Criss Library. The collection will be circulating and available for Interlibrary Loan, as well as continuing to grow with the addition of new materials.

NYLC has also ensured the continuation of the national service-learning listservs, a place for sharing resources, discussions, and continued growth of quality practice and research of service-learning as a strategy to engage young people in their schools and communities.

At the National Youth Leadership Council, we strive for a world where all young people are valued and called on to lead. With passion, creativity, and ingenuity, young people can address world issues while strengthening academic and learning outcomes through service-learning. To that end, we provide programs and services that develop young leaders, support educators, and advance the field of service-learning. Visit www.nylc.org to learn more about NYLC and service-learning.

SOURCE National Youth Leadership Council

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