Overview

KIDS Consortium helps transform classrooms and communities through an award-winning educational model that has touched more than a quarter-million students to date.

Founded in 1992, KIDS (Kids Involved Doing Service-Learning) is a nonprofit organization that serves schools and community organizations in Maine, throughout New England and beyond. KIDS staff train and assist teachers, administrators and community partners as they work with K-12 students to identify, research and address real community challenges (an approach known as service-learning). Students are involved in powerful learning experiences, forge stronger ties to their communities, and gain the skills and confidence they need to become engaged citizens.

Marvin Rosenblum, Founder of KIDS, developed the KIDS model of service-learning during his work as a senior planner with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development as a way to encourage broad-based citizenship participation of young people in comprehensive planning.

KIDS is a nationally recognized leader in the service-learning movement. Its time-tested model of service-learning has three core components.

KIDS Consortium projects help students become engaged learners, develop critical thinking and communication skills, and learn to operate effectively as a team.

KIDS service-learning projects benefit teachers, schools, and communities.

KIDS Consortium has received numerous national awards for its pioneering work.

Vision

Education reaching beyond the classroom and inspiring students to gain the motivation, confidence and skills needed to transform their communities and the world.

Mission

KIDS (Kids Involved Doing Service-Learning) Consortium prepares young people to be active and responsible citizens by training and supporting educators, community organizations, and youth in best practices for service-learning. Through service-learning, K-12 students identify, research and address real community challenges, using knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.