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Academy of Public Service
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Description: The Academy of Public Service was established in September 1991. The Academy's goal is to expose students to public service careers and community services at the federal, state, city level as well as non-profit organizations. Through its program, the Academy prepares students for postsecondary opportunities and helps students become effective public servants.
The Academy of Public Service includes the following components: The National Academy Foundation, an industry advisory board, mentors, speakers, a community service learning emphasis (City Year, Project Action, Old South Meeting House Public Speaking Project, and the National Academy sponsored Community Service Learning Corps), educational field trips, conferences at universities, shadowships, paid summer internships, and a standardized, industry-validated National Academy Foundation curriculum. Sophomores participate in job shadowing, juniors attend internships. Students participate in Law Day (Lawyers from the Boston Bar Association), the Public Service Conference at the Kennedy School of Government, Diversity Day and the Mentors in Violence Prevention program at Northeastern University.
The Student Development Counselors, Community Field Coordinators, administrators and faculty communicate regularly with parents via mail, phone calls, and letters. The school council and the Parent/Teacher Open Houses provide a formal means of communicating with families. The newsletter provides parents and community members with information about activities at APS. Seniors participate in an Advisory, and all students participate in twice a month "town hall" style class meetings.
Evidence of Effectiveness: An evaluation of the Academy of Public Service program indicated that the program has helped students with public speaking and verbal and writing skills. 90% of Academy students have matriculated at either two or four year colleges.
Recognition: The program was awarded the United Way of Massachusetts' Champion of Change Award in 1996.
Resources Used: The Academy of Public Service program uses the National Academy Foundation Curriculum and specific audiovisual materials. In addition, the National Academy Foundation sponsors the Summer Institute for Professional Development for participating staff and administrators.
Funding Sources: The Academy of Public Service program is supported by general funds and grants from foundations and the business community. The Boston Globe Foundation, the Nynex Corporation, the Polaroid Company and the StrideRite Company have all given support to the program. Additional support has come in the form of a National Community Service grant.
