Rural communities can successfully integrate service learning into academic subject areas. In service learning, students develop a deeper understanding of academic subjects while engaging in meaningful service to their school or greater community. Barriers to implementing service learning in rural areas include lack of time, transportation, student supervision, and teacher experience. Schools can begin by identifying and expanding voluntary community-service activities already being done by school-age children and youth. Instructional time is not wasted when projects involve skills such as typing or proofreading a mailing list for a service agency, monitoring the local water supply, or interviewing community residents. Innovative ways of finding transportation for students to engage in service activities are suggested. Experienced students and adult volunteers can serve as trainers and supervisors for new students entering a project. Teachers can be trained through courses in service learning or by mentors who supervise adult volunteers. Service learning in the school could involve peer tutoring, beautification projects, or light maintenance. All these activities integrate help to the community with academic skill building. (KS)