Social Capital and Service Learning

Part of a special section on service learning in political science. The writer contends that a way must be devised to nurture the development of social capital among high school students and between high school students and adults in their communities and that one such means is encouraging community service through service learning programs. He asserts that taking part in community service can raise social capital, which subsequently increases civic engagement. He points out that even participation in nonpolitical activity can have a significant impact on political participation. In addition, he hopes to debunk the claim that volunteerism bodes ill for political activity. Finally, he concludes that more Americans should acknowledge that America's civic health can be ensured by an investment in the social capital of schools and that service learning holds promise as just such an investment.