Big Thought's successful service learning initiative SLANT kicked-off a new year of programming on Sept. 4 at Charles Rice Learning Center in Dallas ISD.

SLANT - which stands for Service Learning Adventures in North Texas - is designed to inspire youth to take up the challenge of improving their neighborhoods and communities in unique and creative ways.

This time around, Big Thought is teaming up with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to provide youth the chance to do community service projects ahead of the 2014 NCAA Men's Final Four that will be held in Arlington next April. The SLANT program will run from December 2013 - March 2014.

"The NCAA is thrilled to team up with the kids of North Texas and SLANT," said Dan Gavitt, the NCAA's vice president of men's basketball championships. "Our thought was why recreate the wheel when SLANT has a great track record, there's strong leadership from Big Thought, plus kids, teachers, and coaches and youth leaders eager to participate again?"

Youth may choose from four categories of projects - health and wellness, education and literacy, hunger and homelessness, and environmental impact. SLANT projects may be done in the classroom, with a sports team, youth group or even at home. Projects are limited only by a child's imagination - from blanket drives and community gardens, to murals painted over graffiti, to a neighborhood fitness program.

Participating teams receive program materials and an official SLANT NCAA T-shirt, and will take part in a culminating celebration during the Final Four tournament. In addition, two weeks prior to the Final Four a bracket-style tournament will be held and registered SLANT teams will get to advocate for their cause. The top four service teams will win a grant to continue their service project or start a new initiative in their community.

Individuals and teams can register their projects at MySlant.org or by calling (469) 621-8989.