INTRODUCING...SERVE-A-THON 2010!

Did you know that 21% of people age 16 or older are functionally illiterate the city of San Diego? Meanwhile budget cuts have shot up class sizes and shortened the school year throughout San Diego County. Nationwide, one-third of all U.S. students is attending a school that needs extensive repairs and new equipment, the repair costs are estimated at over $127 billion. Even more astounding is the fact that more than 6,000 students drop out of high school everyday and 30% of these will never finish high school.

Volunteer San Diego's 2010 Serve-a-thon (formally Hands On San Diego) marks its 20th anniversary and what better way to celebrate than by taking the time to support the teachers and professionals who do so much to influence our community. This year's Serve-a-thon focuses on giving educators and students a hand in these rough economic times. There are 40 projects set to take place on October 8-9 to combat statistics like those above. Volunteers will learn about viable solutions to problems facing education and make a tangible difference in the lives of students throughout San Diego County. If you've ever felt powerless to change the decisions made by government well here is your chance to make a difference with your own hands.

So why put on a two-day volunteer extravaganza? Research studies have indicated that schools with broad-based community involvement provide more dynamic learning experiences and result in higher student achievement. Other studies confirm that young people do better in life when they have positive after-school activities and opportunities to give back to their community through service. Being involved on the outside gives students a chance to do better in classrooms and gives them the motivation to continue their education after high school.

Let's set an example in our community by doing something to better the lives of students and our community. Get involved!