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.

Community Service Diploma Requirement

Requirements:

• Beginning with the graduating class of 2026-2027 (students that began 9^th 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 9^th 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 1^st 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.