I have been involved with LearnServe International for nearly a decade. I call it the antidote to cable news. In a world with so many challenges and disappointments, it is uplifting and inspiring to see young people rise to the occasion. They identify something in the world that pisses them off, then develop a social venture to solve that problem. There is an afterschool component where they learn, visit businesses, develop a plan and a budget, and then pitch it all in a competition. Seeing these talented students and what they can do, from inventing apps to prevent the spread of disease to starting scholarships for children with incarcerated parents, gives me hope for the future.
LearnServe International is truly an amazing organization. I've witnessed first hand its tremendous impact. LearnServe is an enabling and mentoring organization that provides the tools and confidence to teenagers to be social entrepreneurs and "changemakers." It's impressive to see what young people can do once they identify a need in their community and are given the support and know how to make things happen.