Service in Schools kicked off the new year with the launch of three service-learning programs: Kids Action Team for grades K-3, Students Taking Action Today for grades 4-8, and Race Against Waste in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability for Green Teams and sustainability-focused classes in grades 4-8. Through these programs, 62 teachers from schools across all five boroughs are launching service-learning initiatives focused on animal welfare, care for the environment, disability rights, elder care, food access and insecurity, housing and homelessness, and waste reduction. Participating teachers attended kick-off professional learning sessions to learn from community partners who are experts on the service topics, delve into the five stages of service-learning, and collaborate with each other in developing rich learning experiences that will culminate this spring in their students showcasing action + advocacy projects that support their communities. This year Service in Schools is excited to partner with Cafeteria Culture, FABSCRAP, Rethink Food, Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), Center for Independence of the Disabled (CIDNY), MET Council on Housing, Art 4 New York, and GrowNYC.

STEM Matters NYC



Elementary and middle school students can apply now for STEM Matters NYC spring break enrichment programs! Learn more and apply to have exciting, new STEM adventures during spring break, April 10-14, 2023. Don’t miss out, spots are limited and the application deadline is Friday, February 10, 2023. Contact STEMMattersNYC@schools.nyc.gov for further questions.

DOROT's GENuine Connections

DOROT still has opportunities for high school students to get involved and earn service hours through GENuine Connections. GENuine Connections is looking for high school interns to join older adults (65+) for weekly Zoom workshops. Over the course of seven weeks, teens will join older adults in small groups for meaningful conversations and fun activities to bridge generational divides. Workshop activities range from theater, chess, art, current events and so much more, leading to the discovery of new and shared perspectives. Register for a Zoom orientation and complete the GENuine Connections New Youth Volunteer Application for the spring semester starting the week of March 20 through the week of May 15.

Donate NYC



DonateNYC, a program of the NYC Department of Sanitation, advances NYC’s Zero Waste goals by promoting reuse and donation efforts across the City. DonateNYC’s services include three free online tools: the directory map for residents looking to donate or find goods, the exchange listings for businesses and non-profits to donate or receive durable goods, and the food portal for businesses and non-profits to donate or receive edible food. DonateNYC helps New Yorkers give goods, find goods, and do good. Email donate@dsny.nyc.gov for more information.

Cafeteria Culture

February 13 is Plastic Free Lunch Day in New York City! On Plastic Free Lunch Day, school lunches are prepared without using plastics. It is an action day to reduce as much plastic as possible. It is also a way to protect the environment and student health. In addition, Plastic Free Lunch Day provides a glimpse of a plastic-free school cafeteria future. Engage students in taking climate action in their cafeteria. Is your school on board for the next plastic-free lunch action on February 13? Find out how your school can get involved on Cafeteria Culture’s website!

Does your school have a great service project to share? If so, the Service in Schools team wants to know!



Invite the Service in Schools team to visit your service project. We want to see your students and school community in action. Email the Service in Schools team at ServiceinSchools@schools.nyc.gov with two weeks’ notice, and we will schedule a visit to your school to learn about your project and see the impact you are making on the community. 

Visit our website. Follow @ServiceinSchools on Twitter and @ServiceinSchools on Instagram to receive program updates, upcoming service opportunities, resources, and more. We encourage students who use Twitter and are interested in service opportunities to follow us.

Mission: Service in Schools strives to expand the number of NYC students engaged in transformative community service and service-learning experiences that enable them to use their voice, skills, and critical thinking to strengthen communities.