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Service Learning

Service Learning

Inspiring students to take action

Calhoun’s community service program is designed to inspire students to become active citizens within their communities, foster a better understanding of their responsibility to equity and social justice, and encourage a lifelong commitment to community engagement.

Community engagement and social justice are central to Calhoun’s philosophy, culture and curriculum. Students of all ages have the opportunity to be social advocates and activists. Students learn early on that they have the power to make change, and service learning sets the stage for them to take action. While students from every division participate in school-directed service learning projects and activities, Upper School students are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of community service.

Calhoun has cultivated partnerships with a number of organizations across the city, giving students the opportunity to explore causes that speak to them. 

Our goal is that engaging in one’s community starts at Calhoun and continues throughout a student’s life.

Debbie

Debbie Aronson '79
Director of Community Service Learning

Community Partners

See examples of service organizations that Calhoun partners with

Related Stories:

US & LS Students Spread Kindness for Multigenerational Service Project

Students in the US Community Action elective and the Montessori elementary classroom worked together on a service project designed to spread kindness. They made greeting cards and delivered them to the seniors at a nearby assisted living residence – promoting multigenerational friendship in the neighborhood.

Upper School Hosts Community Engagement Fair

Our Upper School hosted its annual Community Engagement Fair. Here, students had the opportunity to speak to student volunteers, club leaders, and adult representatives from nearby community organizations. They were able to sign up for clubs and find other ways to get involved! 

Harlow M. '27 Writes Advocacy Letter & Receives Reply from Salt Lake County Mayor

In the US Community Action class, Harlow M. '27 wrote a letter to the Mayor of Salt Lake County about water overuse of the Great Salt Lake and the effects on the environment, human health and the economy. Mayor Wilson sent a reply back, writing, "Letters like yours remind us that even local issues have far-reaching consequences and inspire me to keep fighting."

Umuganda Day 2023: Caring for & Building Community

For Umuganda Day, members of the Calhoun community came together for a day of service and cleanup at Riverside Park. Despite the rain, families and students "were very dedicated and did an amazing job caring for the park," writes Community Service Learning Director Debbie Aronson. 

Calhoun Students Take Part in CITYarts Pieces for Peace Project

Throughout the 2021-22 school year, Calhoun students worked with CITYarts, a nonprofit public arts and education organization. During community events and workshops led by the US Students in Action Club, students of all ages, teachers and families have made Pieces for Peace, which depict each individual's vision of peace. 

Cooper's Troopers Basketball Game

The Calhoun community gathered for the Cooper Stock Faculty Basketball Game and Cooper’s Troopers Day of Service in early June. The events were held in honor of Cooper Stock, a member of the Class of 2023 who was struck and killed by a taxi driver in 2014, to raise awareness about traffic safety.

Volunteer Spotlight on Calhoun's Partnership with Homeward NYC

Calhoun students have been volunteering at Homeward NYC, an organization that supports homeless youth, families and older adults, since its founding in 1989. Homeward NYC recently spotlighted its partnership with Calhoun and the different ways students have gotten involved.