Research suggests that non-military national service may have great potential to foster civic engagement and employability for young people. In some cases, national service may provide employment for underemployed youth, and may be a career path, especially for disadvantaged youth. In addition, it may be used to bring young people from different groups together to promote inter-group understanding, tolerance, and cooperation.
CSD's research investigates the forms and nature of national service in the US and around the world.