The seasons are changing, and we are inching closer towards the end of the school year. At MBRT, we believe that learning doesn’t end with the final bell of the year and our signature summer programs are key in preparing our students for summer, their senior year and beyond.
There are many necessary steps in preparing for senior year, and service-learning is one of them. In Maryland, students are required to fulfill a total of 75 hours of service-learning activities in order to graduate high school. Service-learning, described to expand and strengthen educational service opportunities throughout the year, including the summer months, aims to highlight the importance of civic engagement to students.
To help work towards this requisite, the Next Generation Scholars coordinators have developed, planned and curated opportunities for students scheduled throughout the summer. Keeping in mind the processes students will work through heading into senior year, Summer of Service programming targets rising 11th grade students to work towards or complete their 75 hours requirement. Last year, 84 NGS students earned a total of 605 hours through Summer of Service activities.
Many different types of service opportunities are offered, allowing students to choose what might suit their interests and skills best. For those interested in working with children, NGS students in Allegany County will be able to earn service hours by registering for the Cumberland Adaptative Sports League sessions. With dates in June, July and August, students will provide support to children with disabilities through a variety of activities. Similarly, NGS students in Kent County can choose to register for NGS Mentors, where they will assist teachers with classroom activities through the Summer Acceleration Academy, working with elementary and middle school aged students. NGS Mentors is scheduled from July 10 through July 27.
For those with more of an interest in technology, NGS students in Dorchester County can partner with the Dorchester County Public Schools Technology Department to assist with the computer inventory. From June 26 through 29, students will learn about hardware, software and equipment repair – valuable skills in a tech-savvy world!
There are also opportunities for those who like to work with others and be outdoors. NGS students in Caroline County can register for Park Clean Ups, partnering with Maryland Parks Service, to assist Park Rangers at Martinak and Tuckahoe State Parks in gathering sticks, straightening camp sites and tending to play areas throughout their summer season. In Wicomico, students will visit the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for the Ag Showcase, planned for August 10th, where they can also develop customer service and communication skills through their assistance with the guests and exhibitors.
We hope to exceed the number of participants and total hours earned this summer. To learn more about the Summer of Service opportunities in your district, you can find details here.
