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Youth Service - Community Volunteer Website

Through the elective, Youth Service—Community Volunteer, students are able to earn one-half credit for giving 40 hours of service to the community, along with two other requirements: a reflection meeting and an essay describing their volunteer service. These activities are important in helping the student understand the value and benefits of volunteering. Students may take this course for six semesters, but only one youth service credit may be used to fulfill graduation requirements.

Where Can I Volunteer?

There are many opportunities for volunteering in the community, including both long-term service and one-time events. Some examples are tutoring or helping a teacher at elementary and junior high schools, activities with the elderly or people with disabilities, working at a hospital or zoo, serving the less fortunate, coaching youth sports, and preserving the environment. Students are able to design their own experience, with the approval of the Youth Service Coordinator. Students are not assigned a place to volunteer.

How Do I Earn Credit for Volunteering?

To earn one-half credit, students must complete one or more volunteer activities to total 40 hours of service, submit time sheets (signed and verified by their volunteer supervisor) and a typed essay, and attend one reflection each semester. There is no daily class time. Service must be performed after school, in the evening, or on weekends, with some exceptions, such as peer tutoring. Summer volunteering can be counted toward the fall semester if the student has enrolled in the course in the previous semester. Volunteer hours completed for the National Honor Society or AVID may be counted toward the service requirement for Youth Service elective. No credit will be given for service hours completed as a required part of another class or if completed as part of a court judgment or restitution.