Service learning programs expose students to topical issues of the day while engaging them in meaningful service to their schools and communities. It is through this service, and the preparation needed for it, that students learn valuable leadership skills as well. Studies consistently show that students, who participate in a service learning program, have improved academic performance and increased positive behavior in school.

With Entourage, the Bay Area After-School All-Stars incorporate leadership development and service learning into our comprehensive middle school program design, with nearly 400 students at all our middle school sites participating in 5 major service projects each year.  Students choose to participate in Entourage each new curriculum session, therefore, the curriculum allows for students’ choice as to which service projects and areas they would like to participate in throughout the year.  Because the curriculum changes each session, students have the opportunity to learn about a variety of issues affecting their community and the world, as well as take steps to make an immediate difference.

      1.     Bi-Weekly Meetings: During each 5 to 8-week session, 20 students sign-up for Entourage as their enrichment class.  As with other courses, Entourage meetings last for one hour, twice a week. Curriculum, class content and the final service project are designed by the Leadership Programs Manager in the central office using the 21^st Century Skills as a guide for activity and session goals. 
 
      2.     Service Learning Opportunities: As part of the curriculum for the Entourage Program, there are opportunities for participants to put what they learned about a specific issue into practice.  Entourage allows for 5 major service projects each year, as determined by the students.  For example, during the 2009-2010 school year, students expressed an interest in working with the older generation during the holidays.  Students felt that people in assisted living/convalescent communities may need company during that time of year, as well as assistance in decorating their homes for Christmas.  In addition to learning about that generation of people and what they endured during the history of their youth and adult lives, students were active participants in their community and helped them enhance it for the holidays. The topic for each session is chosen by vote of the students in the previous session, so students are able to decide if it is something that they wish to participate during showcase week. 
 
     3.     Reflection: During all phases of the program session, there are opportunities for reflection.  Service projects and additional curriculum are decided based on a reflection process at each site.  Current issues in the community and the world are discussed and then voted on, with the more popular issue being chosen for the next session.  Additionally, students take part in both written and oral discussion with their facilitators after each lesson and service project, and often lead discussion groups or information sessions at their schools to educate their fellow classmates on the issue they explored.  Allowing time for this reflection helps students think critically about the needs of their community and the ability that they have to make a difference.
 
     4.     Speech & Debate:  One weekend of each month, 3-4 representatives from each school are invited to participate in workshops facilitated by high school students that are on competing Speech and Debate team at a local high school.  Middle school students are taught public speaking skills, debate skills, and conflict resolution skills. The intention is for students to learn the skills that will allow them to go back to their program prepared to be even greater advocates for community empowerment and social change.

Leadership Coordinators:  The Entourage Program is managed by the Leadership Programs Manager and facilitated at each site by the Leadership Coordinator.  Coordinators attend trainings before each session, where they review the service learning project, which was decided on by the students during the previous session, and then develop lessons based on the specified area of interest.  The Leadership Manager reviews the lessons, incorporates CA State Standards and Developmental Assets, and then distributes the finalized curriculum to the Leadership Coordinators at each middle school site.  Leadership Coordinators work as Youth Instructors at their program site and are paid a stipend for the extra duties.

Please contact Kevin Reduta at kreduta@bayallstars.org with any questions.