The National Service-Learning Partnership (NSLP) was founded in 2001. It is a national network of members
dedicated to advancing service-learning as a core part of every young person’s education. Service-learning is a teaching method that
engages young people in solving problems within their schools and communities as part of their academic studies taking the students
from passive recipients to active participants in their education and community.
The network consists of more than 8,500 members in all 50 states. Members are young
people, teachers, parents, administrators, policymakers, education leaders, community partners, businesspeople, and researchers.
The Partnership is funded through grants from W.K. Kellogg Foundation and State Farm Companies Foundation.
It is sponsored by the Academy for Education Development, an independent, nonprofit organization committed to solving critical social problems.
Mission
The Partnership concentrates on strengthening the impact of service-learning on young people's learning and development,
especially their academic and civic preparation. The Partnership supports members sharing resources, organizing change, and sponsoring innovation.
Services
The Partnership provides:
· A national network of service-learning supporters
· Service-learning tools, resources, and best practices
· A "service-learning marketplace" to offer professional services to advance the practice of service-learning
· Monthly updates with news, resources and opportunities to take action to advance service-learning at state and federal levels
· Federal advocacy representation.
The membership of NSLP has nearly tripled since State Farm Companies Foundation began sponsorship. This has increased NSLP’s visibility and stature as one of the largest organizations of service-learning providers.
State Farm® Background
The State Farm Companies Foundation provided a grant to NSLP in its founding year, 2001.
In 2003, NSLP was awarded a three-year, $250,000 per year grant sponsoring both the newsletters and other projects. NSLP
has been very visible with federal agencies and national organizations in providing a common definition and voice for its membership
organizations. NSLP is helping to develop service-learning projects with schools and community development corporations that
address business issues important to State Farm. Service-learning provides the means for students to positively impact their
community as they develop projects to reduce losses from auto, fire and health issues while increasing both financial literacy
and academic achievement.
