A critical analysis of the evolution of the youth service movement in America: From community service to service learning

This dissertation is an historical analysis of three federal youth service programs: the National Youth Administration of the Roosevelt Administration, the Peace Corps of the Kennedy Administration, and Service Learning of the Clinton Administration. It explores the social, economic, and educational conditions of each time period and the rationale and goals for each program. Views of both supporters and opponents are presented. An evaluation of each program based on its success in meeting its proposed goals is provided. The dissertation concludes with a look at implications for administrators interested in service learning as possible means of school reform.