Today’s youth has been labeled ‘Generation Q,’ the quiet generation.  They have been accused of apathy and civic agnosticism.  While their grandparents were drafted to serve and remain committed to civic ideals, today’s students lack the same sense of patriotism and national commitment.  Using the Israeli national service system as a model, a Northwestern University student proposes a United States National Service Requirement (USNSR).

To develop a stronger sense of national identity, advance civic education through a United States National Service Requirement.  The service requirement seeks to inculcate certain values including service, community, equality, cultural understanding and national pride.

The proposal would mandate two years of national service after American students graduate high school.  The plan would mandate high school graduation or the equivalent thereof.  Those who cannot meet academic requirements necessary to complete a recognized high school can enroll in a trade school program.  The plan does not specify the penalties for non-compliance.

Students can meet the service requirement at any point between 18 and 24 years of age.  Service options include military and community activities.  Community servants will work in areas that have expressed need. With support from a government stipend, volunteers could stay near their home base, move to a different region of the country or work abroad in an ‘approved program.’
 
For example, community workers may work in underprivileged school programs like Head Start, organize and implement ‘green’ programs in participant communities, clean parks, organize and implement after-school programs for middle- and high-school students, staff homeless shelters and soup kitchens or work in hospitals.  Volunteers abroad will work through the Peace Corps.

The Corporation for National and Community Service -- an existing, independent federal agency – will facilitate the national service requirement.  It will coordinate with community programs to link volunteers to positions and direct funding to travel and living expenses.  The plan also requires coordination with current military recruitment personnel.  Costs will include stipends for millions of student volunteers and wages for new staff in the Corporation for National and Community Service.  Though the proposal does not estimate a price tag, it is likely to exceed $10 Billion per year.