It makes good sense that community service learning can engage students. For students at risk of dropping out, it may provide the vital connection with adults and peers—and the opportunity for interesting, authentic learning—that could make all the difference in whether or not they decide to stay in school. For all students, service learning can make what is learned in classes more relevant to their lives, and create a path to a lifetime of active citizenship. In this month's column, the field editor offers his perspective on making education interesting and relevant through community service learning.