History & Accomplishments

The KIDS model of service-learning evolved out of a Maine program that encouraged communities to plan for their future. Recognizing that young people could contribute to this process, former teacher and state planner, Marvin Rosenblum, began engaging students in local planning efforts. Early support from planning, substance abuse prevention, and juvenile justice agencies in Maine helped launched the first teacher trainings. In 1992, Marvin founded KIDS Consortium as a 501(c)(3) organization to expand his vision throughout Maine and nationally. The rest, as they say, is history…

Refining the KIDS Service-Learning Model: 1993-1996

With its first large national grant from the Corporation for National Service, KIDS expands work to Vermont and Connecticut. New training and resource materials are created for educators, students and community partners. Students gather at regional events to share their KIDS projects and experiences. The first formal evaluation of the KIDS model by the University of Southern Maine underscores positive impacts on young people.

In 1996, KIDS Consortium receives the national Education Award from the American Planning Association.

Thinking Systemically: 1997-2002

Building on successful local projects, KIDS Consortium turns its attention to supporting school districts and communities as they work to integrate service-learning into their curriculum and practice. With funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Surdna Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Learning in Deed grant to the State of Maine, KIDS collaborates with local partners to create a framework and strategies to help schools and community organizations build long-term support for service-learning. In 2001, KIDS Consortium publishes the first edition of the KIDS As Planners Guidebook.

In 1998, we received the Renew America Award for Environmental Sustainability and a Renew America “Best of the Best” Award in 2000 along with the Robert Rodale Environmental Achievement Award.

Expanding the Network: 2003-2008

New partnerships help KIDS expand its reach throughout New England and beyond.

In 2005, KIDS Consortium organizes a major conference, Classroom Community: Preparing a New Generation of Active Citizens; at the same time, the second edition of the KIDS As Planners Guidebook is released. A highlight of 2006 was receiving Youth Service America’s Harris Wofford Award for Service-Learning at the National Service-Learning Conference in Philadelphia.

In Maine, KIDS is actively involved in state efforts, through the Maine Citizenship Education Task Force, to create a policy climate that supports service-learning. Maine’s efforts are shared nationally at events organized by the Education Commission of the States and the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools.