Youth Service Summit: Home

What is the SIS Virtual Youth Service Summit? 

The SIS Virtual Youth Service Summit aims to inspire students in grades 3-5 to help their communities after participating in an engaging service-learning lesson taught by high school student leaders. Each participating elementary school class will be matched with a small group of high school student leaders who will teach an interactive lesson on one of the following topics: animal welfare, disability rights, fast fashion and the environment, or housing and homelessness. The lessons will be designed for student interaction on individual computers or through a shared classroom SmartBoard, with the high school student leaders teaching virtually. The service-learning lesson will be scheduled with the input of the participating elementary school educator for a specific date and time between May 31 and June 12, 2023.

Who is eligible to participate in the Virtual Youth Service Summit?

Grades 3-5 NYC public school classes are eligible to participate. Only educators who have not participated in past SIS programming will be considered for participation in the Virtual Youth Service Summit. In addition, to ensure that as many schools as possible have an opportunity to participate, SIS can only consider one class per school for participation.

How many students per school can participate in a lesson? What classroom equipment is needed for the lesson?

SIS recommends that educators select a class no larger than 15 students for learning through a shared SmartBoard or a class no larger than 35 students to learn on individual computers with individual audio connections, as these class sizes will support the high school students in successfully managing and engaging all your students in the lesson. Other student class sizes and configurations will be considered for participation based on the information provided in the application. 

What is expected of educators participating in the Virtual Youth Service Summit? 

Educators interested in having their class participate should complete the program application by 11:59pm on Tuesday, April 25. Educators selected to participate must confirm support from their principal (an email template will be provided) and attend a virtual planning session with the high school student leaders on Thursday, May 25 from 3:30-4:45pm. SIS also encourages participating educators to lead their students in a service-learning project connected to the topic covered in the Youth Service Summit lesson. SIS will provide resources and support for educators to plan and carry out this project with their students before the end of this school year. 

When do the Virtual Youth Service Summit lessons take place?

The service-learning lesson will be scheduled with the input of the participating elementary school educator for a specific date and time between May 31 and June 12, during the regular school day. Exact dates and times will be determined based on elementary school schedules.

Can my class participate in the Virtual Youth Service Summit if I have participated in past SIS programs (such as the Youth Service Summit, Kids Action Team, Service-Learning Institute, Race Against Waste, or Students Taking Action Today)? 

Unfortunately NO. This program is open to educators who have not previously participated in a SIS program. If you are an SIS alum looking for additional service opportunities for your students, email ServiceinSchools@schools.nyc.gov and the SIS team will connect you to relevant opportunities!

What are the benefits of participating in the Virtual Youth Service Summit?

This program offers students the opportunity to learn from high school student leaders while gaining knowledge on a community need and discovering how young people can have an impact on their community. The live virtual lesson will include an engaging activity to learn about the issue and the ways that youth can help and/or teach others about the issue in their community. 

In addition to providing students a connection with high school student leaders from across the city who will serve as role models and learning-partners, the Virtual Youth Service Summit also offers educators a jumping-off point to extend their students' learning by engaging their class in a service project this June or next fall. 

If you have any additional questions about the Virtual Youth Service Summit, email ServiceinSchools@schools.nyc.gov.