There is emerging bipartisan interest in the idea of National Service as a way for young Americans to contribute to the United States while building bridges across communities of different racial, social, and economic backgrounds. We will focus on the benefits that the public service experience brings to those who participate. What capabilities and skills does service build and how does it expand future opportunities? How can we structure programs that help volunteers acquire better skills and financial literacy to prepare them for a changing job market? We will discuss barriers to the concept of National Service, whether it should be offered as a form of alternative education, and what incentives will be needed to broaden participation, particularly among underprivileged communities.
