Service Starts At Home Act
Summary
The "Service Starts At Home Act" aims to encourage student participation in local government and volunteer service through grant programs. It directs the Secretary of Education to establish programs supporting paid internships in local government for secondary and higher education students. Additionally, it creates a scholarship program for students demonstrating commitment to volunteer service, with funding allocated to states and a federal supplemental program.
The act also includes a program to recognize schools and educational agencies for their volunteer achievement and contributions to community service. It defines key terms such as "eligible entity," "institution of higher education," and "volunteer service work" to clarify the scope and implementation of the act.
Overall, the bill seeks to promote civic engagement and provide financial assistance to students involved in community service.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase student involvement in local government and volunteer activities. It will also provide financial support for higher education to students who engage in volunteer work. The act may also incentivize educational institutions to promote community service.
Potential Benefits
- Provides paid internship opportunities in local government for students.
- Offers scholarships to students based on volunteer service hours.
- Recognizes schools and agencies for their community service contributions.
- Encourages civic engagement and skill development among students.
- Potentially strengthens local government capacity through student involvement.
Potential Disadvantages
- Requires significant appropriations ($50 million for internships, $100 million for scholarships annually).
- May create administrative burden for the Department of Education and state agencies.
- Potential for unequal access to internships and scholarships based on location or awareness.
- Risk of volunteer service being driven by scholarship incentives rather than genuine interest.
- Possible displacement of paid workers by student interns in local government.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The "Service Starts At Home Act" appears to align with the constitutional principle of promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. The act's focus on education and community service can be seen as an effort to improve society and prepare citizens for civic engagement.
However, the act's reliance on federal funding and potential influence over state and local educational practices raises questions about the balance of power between the federal government and the states. While the Constitution grants Congress the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare, the extent to which the federal government can regulate education remains a subject of debate.
Furthermore, the act's provisions regarding volunteer service and potential involvement of faith-based organizations should be carefully scrutinized to ensure compliance with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).