Community service learning in the teen outreach program in non-metropolitan florida high schools

Engagement of adolescents with their communities has been associated with lower rates of adolescent pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively analyze Community Service Learning activities in the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) on a variety of dimensions. Data analyzed included CSL records submitted by TOP facilitators during the 2014–2015 school year implementation of TOP in non-metropolitan high schools in a Southeastern US state. CSL records included quantitative components such as type of projects, hours, and student participation. Qualitative data included thematic analysis of open-ended responses to questions regarding stages of CSL. A majority of projects were indirect service, indicating that students did not engage with the community. This study contributes to the literature by analyzing how CSL functions within an implementation of TOP, emphasizing the inclusion of civic participation activities in adolescent pregnancy prevention programs.