Rigorous academics. A calendar full of extracurriculars. A perfect SAT or ACT score. When it comes to preparing our students for success at the university level or in the workplace, our minds often jump to things like these. The research suggests we should also consider service learning for college preparation and career readiness. When we nurture a servant’s heart, reflection, and intentionality in our youth, service learning equips them with real-world skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to step into their next phase of life with confidence.   Service learning is more than volunteering; it’s about applying reflective thinking and purpose to real-life challenges. Whether students are creating media…