Heydi Mejia has lived in the United States since she was four-years-old. But after she graduates from high school, she will be deported to Guatemala. Photo courtesy Katherine Frey / The Washington Post.

Chronicle of Philanthropy: Earlier this month, a study by Net Impact revealed that the majority of this year’s crop of college graduates would take a pay cut in order to work for an organization that makes a positive societal or environmental difference. Now, another study shows that young people are willing to give even more. A new survey of more than 6,500 people ages 20 to 35 showed they are inclined to make a donation—and are more than willing to ask their friends and relatives to do the same—when they feel passionately about a cause. About 75 percent of survey participants said they gave money to a nonprofit in 2011.

Communities In Schools Founder and Vice Chairman Bill Milliken once said at a Congressional hearing, “The children I have seen succeed are the children we allowed to succeed. We allowed them to give something to us. We need to listen to them, and get them involved in feeding people, tutoring other children—that’s how they feel like part of a community.” Our dedicated staff and volunteers instill in a passion for giving back to the community, encouraging students to contribute in countless ways, including participating in walk-a-thons, planting community gardens and serving senior citizens holiday meals.

Education Week: While huge milestones have been made in promoting STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math) in schools, progress still needs to be made in the outreach of these subjects to young women in the classroom. In Education Week’s “Curriculum Matters” blog, Erik Robelen wrote about the STEM achievement gap between males and females in the United States. Citing data from the Advanced Placement program, he said the average scores of females lag behind males in every single STEM subject and more must be done to encourage young women to pursue these subjects. While the American job market seems to be stalled, companies are still looking to fill positions with workers who have competencies in these areas.

Washington Post: Heydi Mejia is graduating from high school in Virginia with honors. She wants to attend a small college and study to become a nurse. But instead of buying stuff for her dorm and meeting fellow college freshmen on Facebook, a few days after graduation Heydi is to be deported from the United States to Guatemala. She left Guatemala when she was four years old and has no memories of the nation. Now, she has no choice but to forge a new life there.

What should the United States do about undocumented immigrants who come to the country as children, grow up and attend school here, break no laws and want to remain? While lawmakers debate the issue and propose various solutions, Communities In Schools continues to work with public school children regardless of their citizen status. Communities In Schools ensures students receive the resources they need, including food, health care and clothing. Many of our affiliates also offer courses in English as a Second Language so that parents are better able to communicate and help their children in school.