Service Learning
At Westridge, service learning is more than a staple of our curriculum—it is woven through the very DNA of our school.
Our 4-12 program emphasizes interconnection with others, asking students to consider how they can use their education and talents for the betterment of their community. Throughout their time at Westridge, girls engage in a service-learning program that teaches them how to become contributing citizens of the world.
In 5th grade, students complete a year-long service project called "TCAP" or the Think, Care, Act Project.
6th graders host the annual Baking a Better World fundraiser every year, which combines math principles and financial literacy skills with service.
The Upper School Community Action Project connects students' service experiences to their personal passion. While volunteering with AbilityFirst, budding engineer Jay H.-K. '20 used her CAP to design 3D-printed assistive tools for people with disabilities.
Founding members of the Middle School Water Warriors traveled to Kenya to see the clean water projects built with the funds they raised.
Students participate in service days organized by the school, as well as opportunities they seek out independently.
At our annual Middle & Upper School service fair, students meet with representatives from a range of organizations and sign up to volunteer.
Building leadership through service
Community Action Project
CAP is an opportunity for Westridge students to demonstrate how their individual interests and passions can set the stage for deep learning and service to others.
In Upper School, service learning is not about students collecting service hours to meet a requirement; it’s a four-year process of community engagement that is both meaningful and personal. The Community Action Project (CAP) is the culmination of the Upper School service journey, and an opportunity for Westridge students to demonstrate how their individual interests and passions can set the stage for deep learning and service to others.
Students engage in dedicated days of service in 9th and 10th grade, organized by the school. They reflect on these experiences and consider their own interests, conducting independent, inquiry-based research into a social or environmental issue. In 11th grade, students propose a CAP of their own design, addressing a need that exists within our local, regional, national, or international community. Students connect with a local service mentor from an outside organization and work directly with their mentors throughout their junior and senior years completing field work for their project site.
The final project consists of a minimum of 30 combined hours of service, as well as a digital portfolio containing additional research and reflection.