Empowering youth through international service learning

In partnership with Education First (EF) Educational Tours, a group of District 191 students and staff embarked on a service learning trip to the Dominican Republic during the school’s spring break.

Ten Burnsville High School (BHS) and one Eagle Ridge Middle School student, along with chaperones Dr. Kim Johnson, BHS teacher Dave McDevitt and Youth Services Coordinator Courtnee Jackson Floback, traveled to the Dominican Republic for a service learning project. Students engaged in fundraising initiatives to cover the costs associated with the trip.

The project consisted of a cultural exchange between students and Inspire DR program participants. Inspire DR is a program aimed at educating, mentoring and inspiring underserved males ages 10-18 to become productive and responsible members of society. Established in 2015, Inspire DR has provided free after-school programs that teach life skills and values. 

One91 students worked with Inspire DR participants in the areas of aquatics, computer literacy, English Language Learning, entrepreneurship, public speaking, teamwork and other special projects. 

While students spent most of their time working with program participants, there was cross-cultural exchange during meal times and downtime, whether it was traveling to the Atlantic Ocean, playing basketball or engaging with local vendors.

“Service learning is important for your personal and professional development because it allows you to learn from others that you may not have met in your own day-to-day life,” said Dave McDevitt. “The importance of International Service Learning is to create a sense of global learning and citizenship while increasing your intercultural competency.”

“I enjoyed the bonds we created with the people over there,” said Alison Inamagua Urgiles, 10th grade. “I was really able to connect with so many of them from the very beginning and have even stayed in touch with a few. The country is beautiful and the culture is so unique. This was a trip that I definitely would love to go on again.”

“It probably sounds dumb or simple, but I learned that not everyone that is in need “looks like they are in need” and that I take a lot of things in my life for granted,” said Dylane Floback, 7th grade. “It was also so amazing to be in such a beautiful place with such a focus on community and helping each other.”

“Our students were really forced to think beyond themselves and be active participants in a cross cultural exchange,” said Jackson Floback. “Just watching our students engage with the Inspire DR family, the Dominican culture and community at large was absolutely beautiful. Even more inspiring was to see them come home and not only reflect on their experiences but actively seek ways to better engage with their local community as well.”

Community service is part of the culture in District 191

If you look in the schools throughout the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school district, you will see a strong commitment to service across every building and every grade level. Our communities have ample opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in service. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or a classmate, donating supplies, time, or money to regional charities, or finding ways to contribute on a more global level, the commitment to service is strong here. Our students are a shining example of that.  

District 191 offers ample opportunities to get involved that aren't found in a lot of other districts, like the Service Club at the elementary level and our weekly food donation program. We have seen students pitching ideas for service projects like towel drives or hair donation, middle school students volunteering at food drives and leadership activities, and high school students donating their time to organize blood drives or cleanup efforts just to be able to give back. Opportunities for service and ways to get involved are not hard to find here.