§12511 Definitions

Summary

Gives short, simple meanings for many words used in the subchapter so people know what those words mean. “Adult volunteer” — a person past the state’s required school age who helps students or out-of-school youth at a school without pay. “Alaska Native‑serving institution” — as defined in federal higher‑education law. “Approved national service position” — a service slot approved to give a national service educational award. “Approved silver scholar position” — a slot in a silver scholar program approved to give a silver scholarship award. “Approved summer of service position” — a slot in a summer of service program approved to give a summer award. “Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander‑serving institution” — as defined in federal higher‑education law. “Authorizing committees” — the House Education and Labor Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “Carry out” — plan, start, run, grow, or copy a national service program. “Chief Executive Officer” — the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Community‑based agency” — a private nonprofit, including religious groups, that represents part of a community and works on human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. “Community‑based entity” — a public or private nonprofit with experience meeting those needs and other criteria the CEO sets. “Corporation” — the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Disadvantaged youth” — youth who are economically disadvantaged and who also meet at least one listed condition (such as being out of school or unemployed; in or leaving foster care; having limited English; homeless or runaway; at risk of dropping out; former juvenile offenders or at risk of delinquency; or having a disability). “Economically disadvantaged” — judged low‑income by the CEO using the latest Commerce Department data. “Elementary school,” “institution of higher education,” “local educational agency,” “secondary school,” “State educational agency,” and several named types of colleges (Hispanic‑serving, Native Hawaiian‑serving, Native American‑serving nontribal, Predominantly Black Institution, historically black college or university, tribally controlled college or university) — mean what federal education law says. “Encore service program” — a program with many participants age 55 or older that uses their skills and experience. “Indian” — a member of an Indian tribe or a “Native” as defined in federal law. “Indian lands” — real property owned by a tribe, held in trust for Indians, or held by Indians with federal restrictions on sale. “Indian tribe” — tribes, villages, regional or village corporations, and tribal groups or organizations related to them. “Individual with a disability” — means what federal disability law says, except where another part of this law provides otherwise. “Medically underserved population” — as defined in federal public health law. “National service laws” — this chapter and the older Domestic Volunteer Service Act. “Out‑of‑school youth” — someone under 27 who has not finished college and is not enrolled in school or higher education. “Participant” — either someone in an approved national service position for certain parts of the law or someone enrolled in a program getting help under this subchapter, and a participant is not an employee of the placement organization. “Partnership program” — a program where an adult volunteer, nonprofit, college, or business helps a local school agency. “Principles of scientific research” — rigorous, systematic, objective research methods and standards (such as careful design, proper data analysis, clear reporting, peer review, and repeatable results). “Program” — refers to the specific types of programs listed in the law or activities that could be funded under it. “Project” — a specific service or improvement done through a funded program that would not happen with existing funds and that does not duplicate the host employer’s regular work. “Qualified organization” — a nonprofit with experience serving school‑age youth that meets CEO criteria. “School‑age youth” — children ages 5 through 17 inclusive, and children with disabilities who get services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. “Scientifically valid research” — applied, basic, or field research that follows the principles of scientific research. “Service‑learning” — learning that happens through organized community service tied to schools or programs, that supports community needs, builds civic responsibility, is linked to curriculum, and includes time to reflect on the experience. “Service‑learning coordinator” — the person who provides coordinator services. “Service sponsor” — the group chosen to place a participant. “State” — each State plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. “State Commission” — a State’s Commission on National and Community Service or an approved alternate administrative entity. “Student” — someone enrolled full‑ or part‑time in elementary, secondary, or higher education. “Territory” — the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. “Veteran” — as defined in federal veterans law.