BrainWise + Community Service: A Double Dose of Doing Good

Posted On: April 13, 2026

What happens when a simple idea —“teach thinking by doing”—is put into practice for 20 straight years?

BrainWise has long championed community service as a powerful way to reinforce the 10 Wise Ways, giving youth a “double dose” of critical‑thinking practice that strengthens their skills while benefiting the people they serve. Past newsletters have highlighted these dual‑impact projects, featuring schools that teach BrainWise in partnership with service initiatives led by adult and youth Rotarians.

One of the most enduring and far‑reaching examples of that model: the 20‑year collaboration between the Rotary Club of Denver Mile High and CEC Early College, a career‑technical Denver public high school.

At the heart of this partnership is Stacey Hervey, the visionary CEC instructor who weaves community service—including BrainWise—into her criminal justice curriculum. Under her leadership, CEC students have used the 10 Wise Ways to design and deliver activities that have reached more than 4,000 children, youth, and adults, creating a legacy of service‑driven learning that continues to ripple across the community.

Research on Critical Thinking and Volunteering.

A strong body of research indicates that programs building cognitive and behavioral skills are among the most effective ways to support mental well‑being, leading to increased resilience, improved quality of life, and reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress. Large‑scale population studies and systematic reviews of youth volunteering add another layer of evidence: Community service gives young people a real‑world environment in which to practice decision‑making, problem‑solving, and emotional regulation.

BrainWise Emphasizes Thinking About Others

A core theme of BrainWise is teaching children to use the Wise Ways not only for their own decision‑making but also to understand how their actions affect others.

BrainWise graduates know that volunteering is more than giving time. They don’t step up out of obligation—they act because they understand the ripple effect of giving and how their choices impact themselves and others.

Read more about these wonderful students and the work they have done at: https://conta.cc/4tnCyha

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