Power of Youth Is Global: Researching and International Service-Learning Program for Youth, (The)

Built on service-learning pedagogy, Roots & Shoots, the environmental and humanitarian youth program of The Jane Goodall Institute, fosters personal growth and community activism through service activities and environmental education. We describe a collaborative research effort between secondary schools, colleges, universities, and community partners to assess this program’s service-learning practices and their relationship to youths’ leadership, self-efficacy, civic engagement, and connection to nature. We present findings for youth in different cultural and program contexts, along with some of the challenges we have faced conducting cross-national field research. Cultures and program contexts should be considered in curricular development and assessment of service-learning programs for youth. (authors)