The Need to Act Now

Historically, schools served as centers of community, with families, neighbors, school staff and local businesses working together to ensure that children had inspirational learning environments where they could learn and succeed. Unfortunately, economic issues and shifting policy priorities have left many schools without critical resources, and they no longer serve as community gathering places reflecting shared commitment and support. One-third of all U.S. students attend schools that need extensive repairs, new equipment or renovation (the estimated repair exceeds $127 billion). The U.S. ranks 15th in the world in education behind most other industrial nations; more than 6,000 American students drop out of high school every day; and one in three students will not finish high school.

Research indicates that schools with broad-based community involvement provide more dynamic learning experiences, resulting in higher student achievement. Numerous studies confirm that young people perform better when they have positive after-school options, as well as opportunities to serve their communities through service-learning or other volunteer programs. When kids have an opportunity to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways, they are much more likely to stay in school and go on to college.

The Response

The president's call to service highlights how citizen engagement is more critical than ever as both a cornerstone of our democracy and as an essential resource for solving some of our nation's biggest challenges. Volunteers can advance the academic and life success of children and reform our children's schools today for the sake of their tomorrow. HandsOn Network and our partners are committed to activating citizen leaders to help solve our communities' education challenges and seek the support of corporations to restore the school's place in community and the community's place in school.

Partnering with Businesses to Create Lasting Impact

HandsOn Network's programs provide businesses and corporate leaders with opportunities to leverage their unique resources and expertise by sponsoring, developing and implementing school transformation projects and national partnerships that improve school and student performance, revitalize the surrounding community and create systemic educational change. We aim to connect your employees to meaningful service projects that result in lasting impact.

• HandsOn Schools engages the community to help transform schools into dynamic learning centers and foster enhanced student achievement by renewing school grounds, introducing new technologies and curriculums and empowering at-risk youth through leadership opportunities.
• Kids Care Clubs provide parents, teachers and youth with tools and resources to promote civic values. Kids Care Clubs support elementary and middle school children in developing interest in service, volunteerism and the concept of social responsibility through meaningful hands-on service projects.
• Our new youth entity promotes service learning and provides students with the tools to create and lead activities that promote change and civic-consciousness.

Impacting Education through Signature Events

HandsOn Network helps corporations mobilize and engage employee volunteers through customized projects and national sponsorship opportunities. National signature service days celebrate the power of volunteers as change agents and direct public attention to the many ways individuals can become involved in their communities.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January) is an opportunity for Americans across the country to honor the legacy of Dr. King by volunteering in schools in their communities. From refurbishing schools to celebrating student leaders, HandsOn Network offers opportunities for businesses to continue to build upon the legacy of Dr. King and make a difference in public schools.
• National Volunteer Week (April) is a call to action for millions of Americans who volunteer and inspire by example. By partnering with HandsOn Network to sponsor elements of National Volunteer Week, businesses can showcase their commitment to education by engaging their employees in school revitalization projects.
• National Conference on Volunteering and Service (June) The world’s largest gathering of volunteer leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors is a prime opportunity for corporations to demonstrate their commitment to education. Corporations can sponsor the conference at varying levels and also attend sessions in the specialized corporate track to learn how to engage in employee volunteer programs.
• Corporate Season of Service (August - October) is highlighted by service projects throughout the country that demonstrate the power and purpose of corporate civic engagement through volunteer action. During this month, corporations and businesses leverage their resources to collectively engage employees, inspire other corporate leaders and increase public awareness of civic engagement.
• Make A Difference Day (October) is the nation’s largest day of neighbors helping neighbors. Corporations can mobilize employees to volunteer together on this day to revitalize a school or renovate a recreation area for children.

National Awards and Recognition Opportunities

Millions of volunteers give their time, talent and energy to help strengthen schools and their communities through employee and skills-based volunteer programs. It is through their stories that people are inspired to serve and begin to recognize their personal power to transform the world around them. Corporations, nonprofit organizations and individuals can celebrate these change-makers by nominating them for awards.

• The Corporate Engagement Award of Excellence recognizes the collective commitment and power to change the world that businesses and organizations contribute through their programs to engage their employees in volunteerism.
   
• Daily Points of Light Awards honor individuals and volunteer groups around the country that are helping to meet critical needs in their schools and create change every day.
   
• The President's Volunteer Service Award was created by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation and encourages ongoing involvement in service and civic engagement.