Artificial intelligence is everywhere.

Every day, students are surrounded by conversations about AI, how it will change education, eliminate jobs, create new ones, and more. AI can answer questions in seconds, summarize books, write computer code, explain difficult concepts, and provide access to an almost unlimited amount of information.

For today's high school students, access to information is no longer the challenge it once was. The bigger challenge is turning information into understanding. And that requires something AI cannot provide: experience.

From Service Hours to Heart Transformation: Experiential Learning and the Corporal Works of Mercy

For generations, Catholic schools have helped students understand that faith is not simply something they “learn,” it is something they live. One of the most meaningful ways students put their faith into action is through the Corporal Works of Mercy.

x2VOL has received the CODiE Award for Best Social Emotional Learning Platform two years in a row. But what is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social Emotional Learning is the process by which individuals learn to understand and manage emotions in order to learn empathy, how to achieve goals, and how to relate to others among many other things.  

With the new school year underway, now is the time for students to start deciding which universities to apply to. Students may be wondering “How can I make my application stand-out from other applicants?” Leveraging community service experiences is a great way to stand out from the competition. It showcases the student’s leadership, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact. 

College admissions officers look at more than just grades and test scores when evaluating who they accept into their universities. They want to have an in-depth look of who the student is apart from the numbers behind their name. They want to know the student's personality, their interests, their passions and if they will be a positive addition to the university's campus life.  

College admissions officers are looking for: 

Student development outside of academic achievement has become a priority for schools across the country. Educators focus on student outcomes that revolve around social-emotional growth and skills development in addition to academics.

How Service Can Improve Student Motivation and Attitude

Before joining the National Honors Society in high school, the idea of volunteering and serving others rarely crossed my mind. As a young student-athlete, I believed I never had enough time in my schedule to engage in volunteer work. However, upon becoming a member of NHS, I was required to complete a certain number of volunteer hours. This compelled me to start volunteering within my school, and it didn't take long for me to contemplate participating in larger-scale projects.

Summer vacation is a great opportunity for students to engage in their communities and gain valuable experience through volunteer work. Volunteering not only helps others but also provides personal growth, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment. By making service a daily or weekly habit students can create a positive routine and develop strong connections with others. Here are 18 summer volunteer ideas for students who are looking for inspiration:

In a time where connection is seemingly only built through phone screens and Instagram comments, in-person, face-to-face connection between students is dwindling. Lack of social interaction and seeing past immediate needs and wants can leave individuals feeling isolated and alone. Unsurprisingly, students can be left lacking a sense of belonging.

As Spring Break approaches, now is a great time for students to start brainstorming how to fulfill their volunteer hours during the break. This is a perfect opportunity for students to use the time off from school to engage with their communities.