Summer Service Learning: Students in Action

Every summer, St. Matthew’s Parish School’s rising 7th and 8th grade students engage in meaningful service learning experiences that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world impact. Through hands-on volunteer work in their communities, students discover how academic concepts apply to real-life while developing essential leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These experiences cultivate empathy and social awareness, encouraging students to reflect deeply on their role in creating positive change.

In Summer 2025, St. Matthew’s rising 7th graders brought the school motto, “Serve, Lead, Flourish,” to life through hands-on service at St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop in Santa Monica. Each student completed a three-hour volunteer shift, supporting one of our community’s oldest outreach ministries.

Students who volunteer at the Thrift Shop learn valuable life skills while building personal connections. Jeffrey ‘27 volunteered alongside his brother, finding the environment “amazing” and “very fun.” He shared a moment of laughter when a customer’s dog, Hermes, matched his Latin class name. 

Christian ‘27 volunteered with his sister, spending time organizing clothes and toys, pricing designer clothes, and even creating social media posts for the Thrift Shop. He reflected, “I felt proud of myself for contributing to an organization that helps people and knowing that I’m contributing to help the less fortunate to make their lives better.”

St. Matthew’s rising 8th graders also completed their summer Service Learning Project, a meaningful graduation requirement and the culmination of their community service journey. Each student volunteered with a non-profit and reflected on how the experience impacted them. Jasper ‘26 volunteered at the reDiscover Center, helping recycle materials for educational use. 

Another 8th grade student served at Baby2Baby, assembling duffel bags for new mothers and making baby bundles. She reflected, “I really enjoyed this experience because I know how much some people need this and how Baby2Baby has impacted so many people’s lives.”

St. Matthew’s students and families make a real difference and truly live out the values that make our community strong. Service learning remains a cornerstone of St. Matthew’s educational philosophy, shaping compassionate and engaged citizens ready to make a difference in the world. Through service, our students truly flourish.