Academic Summit

Straight Talk: A Service-Learning Program

Hamilton Hall 112

Students in the Introduction to Social Work Class at the bachelors’ and master’s level in the Lambda Chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society developed a program called “Straight Talk.” This program was organized as a service-learning activity for students to test their aptitude as well as their attitude toward various subject areas that are of importance to high school age children. The program targets alleviating stress on teens due to bullying, sexting, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and the hidden dangers of social media. Ruston High School served as a pilot site during the 2012-13 school year. One hundred (100) high school students in the 15-18 age group participated in the program. Social Work students used their training to engage the high school students in group discussions, role play and group counseling activities. The training had an ultimate goal of guiding students to embrace the fact that certain activities can have life-altering and devastating consequences. The Ruston High School students were able to speak openly about challenges they faced