- Simone Braithwaite
- Simone.Braithwaite@asm.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento) has introduced AB 2116 – the High School Service Learning Act – a volunteer pilot program for school districts to offer stipends to high school seniors who participate in volunteer opportunities. These service learning activities would eventually become a permanent part of a student’s educational experience.
“Serving Learning is a great way to expose students to opportunities in fields they might not have known about previously – creating an interest that could turn into a career,” said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. “Not only would the program help better communities, it also helps round out students’ college applications with volunteer experiences. It’s a win-win.”
The $10 million pilot program, in partnership with Cal Volunteers and the Department of Education, will provide those participating school districts grant funds for the student stipends. Districts will hire staff to oversee the placement of students.
Additionally, the legislation will require Cal Volunteers and the Department of Education to conduct a study on how to integrate service-learning into the grade 12 experience with the findings reported out by January 2024.
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Kevin McCarty represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which include the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento and unincorporated Sacramento County. McCarty serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. Website of Assemblymember Kevin McCarty: https://a06.asmdc.org/