Service-learning: A pedagogy for developing civic character

Purpose. The purpose of my study was twofold: (a) to examine the relationship between participation in Service-Learning in high school and civic engagement after graduation and (b) to examine whether specific components of a high-school Service-Learning program appear to influence whether a graduate will continue to serve in some capacity after graduation.; Method. My study surveyed 89 individuals who graduated from six high schools between 1995 and 2003 to determine their current level of civic engagement in the areas of community service, advocacy, and political action. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to examine the impact of participating in service activities in high school on the development of civic character.; Results. The results of my study indicated that student participation in high school service activities was likely to influence civic engagement as an adult. The area of advocacy had the largest effect size when comparing students who participated in high school service activities to those who did not. The area of political action had the smallest effect size and appeared to be the least influenced by service activities in high school. Schools in which service was integrated throughout the curriculum and student designed service projects were encouraged and supported appeared to have the greatest impact on the development of civic character.