Community Service & Service Learning

Community Service demonstrates a person's commitment, volunteerism and service, without pay, to a non-profit agency or organization, a group, or an individual in need.  It is a best defined as "giving back" to the community and goes beyond the normal day-to-day.   

Service Learning combines the objectives of service and volunteerism with learning and curricular objectives.  The structure provided by service learning encourages reflection and a demonstration of the knowledge and skills gained from the service opportunity.  Service learning provides students with a sense of connectedness to their communities gaining a better sense of self and others.  It simultaneously builds academic, social and personal skills because all students can experience success.  The JROTC program has service learning specifically integrated into the curriculum.

NYMA Service Requirements

Students must complete fifty (50) hours of service by May 1st of their senior year and service may begin the summer prior to a student's freshmen year.  Students who enrolled after the first semester of their freshmen year will complete a pro-rated requirement equal to 6.25 hours times the number of full semesters enrolled in New York Military Academy. 

Coordinating Your Community Service

1. Submit all required and official documentation to the Academic Office.  All hours must be submitted on official organization letterhead with contact information. 
   
2. The activities that students may participate in vary but general guidelines include long-term, documented activities, service from after-school and weekend events sponsored by the school and its organizations, volunteer activities outside of the school calendar which includes volunteering at home, or elsewhere, during furloughs or a pre-approved personal program designed by the student. 
   
3. Most service must be performed outside of school hours unless under the direct supervision of a staff member.  However, the NYMA Band and Color Guard often have off-campus commitments that count towards community service.  Another such opportunity would be peer tutoring.  The math department chair coordinates math tutoring and the National Honor Society advisor coordinates the other areas.
   

What does not qualify as community service?

1. Activities done as part of the normal cadet activities or requirements do not count towards the community service total.  In this instance, students do not receive credit for simply attending the academy nor for participating in the activities of the Annual Formal Inspection (AFI).
2. Childcare/babysitting count only when done for a non-profit organization.
3. Assisting family members is not considered community service.
   
   

How is the exchange rate determined?

All community service hours are given for at an even exchange rate.  The rate does not include transportation to or from an activity. 

Summer Opportunities for Community Service

Lifeworks Global Service Learning Programs for teens- offers international educational opportunities for teenagers, with a strong emphasis on building self-reliance as well as personal and social responsibility.  Offers two summer programs ActionQuest and Lifeworks.  

ActionQuest- is run primarily aboard sailing vessels and offers leadership and water sports certification programs. Lifeworks- is mainly land based and includes up to 100 hours of service work.  Students take an active role in projects that range from painting and minor construction in the Galapagos Island to helping disabled children in Chinese orphanages.   For more information call 1-800-808-2115 or visit www.lifeworks-international.com and www.actionquest.com we also have brochures in the academic office.  

Academic Treks- College-accredited summer adventures abroad for high school students, including marine biology, language immersion, wilderness and intensive community service courses.  Program locations include the Caribbean, Central and South America, Canada, South Africa, France, China, and Fiji.  Academic Trek students earn college credit and up to 55 hrs of community service.  Trips are 20-30 days in length in June, July and August.  For more information contact 1-888-833-1908, email info@academictreks.com or visit the web site www.academictreks.com.  

Broadreach- Educational summer adventures for teenagers ages 13-19 including scuba, sailing, marine biology, and wilderness programs worldwide.  Program locations include the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Egypt, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Australia.  Trips are 14-31 days in length in June, July, and August.  For more information contact 1-888-833-1907, email info@gobroadreach.com or visit www.gobroadreach.com.