Service years are an incredible tool to solve pressing community issues and provide unparalleled value to corporations, employers, cities, and rural communities.

Service year programs take many forms and engage many different populations. They may target Opportunity Youth or top college graduates, transitioning veterans or college students testing out a field. They may include opportunities to earn specific credentials, or provide informal pathways into careers. They may be formally affiliated with a higher education institution or, more likely, operate independently. In some cases, service year programs have been designed to help address shortages in specific fields, discourage brain drain, or attract talent to under-resourced communities.

Further recommended reading: Strategic Initiatives