About us: Service Learning is a categorical program under the auspices of the Santa Barbara County Office of Education which is also funded to service Region 8 – Kern, San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties by the Corporation for National Service through the California Department of Education and Youth Services, California.

Our vision is that 50% of school districts in both Region 8 and Santa Barbara county, in particular, will offer all students at least one Service-Learning opportunity at each grade level.

Our mission is to promote academic excellence through the teaching strategy of service-learning. The Region 8 Service-Learning Collaborative works to strengthen connections to academic content and build capacity for school-based service-learning among schools, businesses, and community-based organizations throughout Region 8.

Our goals are:

• To establish a Regional Service-Learning Network of individuals and organizations.
• To provide training and technical assistance through a cadre of “Certified” service-learning coaches.
• To develop and implement a staff Development Model for classroom teachers and pre-service teacher candidates.

Regional Service Learning Lead

Service Learning Training workshops, conferences, and seminars are offered throughout the region. Professional development course credit and an internet course module are available.

Pending.