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Community Service Diploma Requirement

Based on the LEARNS Act,  Act 237, passed in 2023, high school students shall complete a minimum of seventy-five (75) clock hours of documented community service in grades nine – twelve (9-12) in order to graduate.

 

Image - graduation cap and diplomaCommunity Service Diploma RequirementImage - graduation cap and diploma

 

Requirements:

  • Beginning with the graduating class of 2026-2027 (students that began 9th grade in the fall of 2023) students shall complete a minimum of seventy-five (75) clock hours of documented community service in grades nine – twelve (9-12) in order to graduate.  
    • Fifteen (15) hours for students in grade nine (9);
    • Twenty (20) hours for students in grade ten (10);
    • Twenty (20) hours for students in grade eleven (11);
    • Twenty (20) hours for students in grade twelve (12). 
  • The community service year runs from August 1 – July 31, example:
    • Students who began 9th grade in August of 2023 can use volunteer hours earned between August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024.
    • Seniors must complete twenty (20) hours in grade twelve by May 1st in order to graduate.

 

What counts as community service?

  • Volunteer (unpaid) work for a church, non-profit organization, 503C, charity, or individual (not a family member).  Examples:
    • Assist public healthcare organizations such as the Red Cross;
    • Services performed for animal shelter or rescue;
    • Assisting in a retirement home or helping an elderly neighbor;
    • Civic organizations such as Lions Club, Rotary, Scouting, Kiwanis, etc.;
    • Assisting religious institutions with cleaning, landscaping, cemetery clean-up days, etc.;
    • City government.
  • Volunteer hours completed by a school club or team are acceptable as long as the student does not receive payment.

Note:  this is not an all-inclusive list – if you have any questions please contact Mrs. Kichline at akichline@elkinsdistrict.org or 479-643-3381.

 

What does NOT count as community service?

  • Service for a student’s family or family business or farm;
  • Hours worked for any activity for which pay is received or a grade/credit is earned;
  • Court-ordered community service;  

 

How do I document my hours?

  • Print the form available here or get a copy of the form in the high school office. 
  • Complete the form and have it signed by the organization. 
  • Turn the form into the Career Counselor in the high school office.      

 

What if I cannot complete the required hours?

The District Board of Directors may grant a waiver of this requirement for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

 

Disclaimers:

The Arkansas Department of Education is currently writing the rules to govern the Community Service Diploma requirement, so the information shown here is subject to change.