Creates a service learning program for students serving as active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers

1 Co-sponsor

• Kathleen A. Marchione

BILL NUMBER:S6678

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to certain service learning, internship, or independent study programs

Purpose

To allow community colleges and State University of New York (SUNY) schools to implement programs that would provide academic credit for successful completion of a service learning, internship, or independent study program in relation to the volunteer fire service, as prescribed by regulations established by the state university trustees.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends section 355 of the education law to direct the state university trustees to adopt regulations to establish a service learning, internship, or independent study program for students that serve as active volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers.

Section 2 of the bill is the effective date.

Justification

Colleges and universities often offer internships and independent study programs so students can earn academic credit while obtaining real-life work experience. Service learning programs are an emerging and growing teaching method on college campuses and these programs are also effective in combining academic learning and real-life experiences.

One of the most critical community services provided by New York residents is volunteer fire protection and emergency services. Many younger individuals may be interested in volunteering for their local fire department or ambulance company, but are discouraged from doing so due to the time demands of being a college student. This bill provides a common-sense approach to combining community service and academic learning which will lead to greater volunteerism and more well-rounded and experienced college students.

Under this legislation, the state university trustees will establish regulations that create guidelines for a service learning, internship or independent study program for active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Such programs must include a service requirement and an academic requirement. Through involvement in the volunteer fire service, a student not only provides vital community services, but can also be exposed to and learn a number of valuable principles in various academic areas. For example, common issues in the volunteer fire service include not-for-profit corporation governance, municipal government, licensing and permitting, charitable giving, record-keeping, compliance with safety and other laws, insurance, taxes, budgeting, and management.

This bill provides valuable skills and learning opportunities for students while encouraging more volunteerism to serve our communities. The skills and knowledge gained through the volunteer fire service are significant and valuable, and worthy of academic credit through properly developed and structured service learning, internship and independent study programs. This legislation allows SUNY schools and

community colleges to recognize this by offering students the opportunity to participate in such programs, as prescribed by the state university trustees.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 90th day after it shall have become a law.