Project SUCCESS
Project SUCCESS: An Inclusive Approach to Service-Learning
Historically, youth with disabilities have been seen as the recipients of service and rarely as service providers. Because of this myopic viewpoint, many young people with disabilities have not accessed the valuable personal and professional opportunities that result from the experience of serving. A unique community-based demonstration project designed by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) gives a voice to this untapped national resource, and offers pre-teens and teens a chance to experience the benefits of volunteerism.
In October 1997, UCP launched Project SUCCESS (Students Understanding Communities and Cherishing EveryStudent’s Service), with funding from Learn and Serve America and the
Corporation for National Service.
Here’s how it works! Project SUCCESS engages youth from local school systems, community youth organizations and disability groups in a unique service-learning curriculum that addresses team-building, diversity and attitude awareness, personal responsibility, civic leadership and community service. During the Project, two-person community service teams are created by matching a youth with a disability to a youth without a disability. These youth teams work together to independently research, plan and execute local service projects. This integrated service-team design provides youth with and without disabilities an opportunity to work, as equals, towards the improvement of their own communities.
Through Project SUCCESS, young people use community service activities to apply academic lessons to the real world beyond the classroom. The Program encourages young people to adapt to a variety of differences as they work together to complete three distinctive service projects. By using the unique skills that each student possesses to overcome societal and personal limitations, the youth in Project SUCCESS are able to create an environment where diversity and individualism are celebrated.
Although original funding for Project SUCCESS has ceased, the program continues with over 10 participating area schools and more than 250 students at:
UCP of San Diego
The goal of Project SUCCESS is to teach young people the value of volunteerism so that they are motivated to make a positive difference in their own lives, as well as the lives of those around them. We hope that you will support our efforts as we work towards a community where ALL young people have the chance to make a positive difference through service.