Giving and Growing: Volunteer Opportunities for Children in NY State

This project focused on the social and psychological impact that volunteer work might have on school age children. NCCF presented a rationale for investing in service work for children of preschool through school age. A literature review investigated what is presently known about young children’s acquisition of empathy and altruism, both of which are foundations of prosocial behavior. The implications of this research in terms of effectiveness of service work and service learning for children between K and grade 6 were discussed, as well as findings from any well-evaluated service programs for young children. The project also involved an overview of the opportunities for service work and service learning for children in schools for grades K-6 in New York State.

Funding Source: Children for Children.

Contact: Anne Martin, Dr. P.H.