Although it is not a requirement to graduate, community service hours are required for the Bright Futures Scholarship and are a positive addition to college applications. Updated state and district guidelines and criteria for students to complete community service hours are posted below. Students must complete a comprehensive community service plan which addresses a social problem or concern, and submit the plan to their guidance counselor for approval prior to implementation. Please see the link below for additional information, forms, and suggested projects.
Community Service Log and Reflection Form
Guidelines for students:
1. Obtain the required forms from the school website or in Student Services office
2. Develop a written community service plan which addresses a social problem or concern.
3. Submit the plan to your counselor for approval before you begin your community service (unless you are completing community service at an automatic approved location).
4. All community service will begin the summer prior to entering high school. Community service prior to grade 9 will not be counted.
5. Submit community service documentation to your counselor upon completion of the approved activity.
Florida Statutes 1009.534, 1009.535, 1009.536
The student may identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that interests him or her, and develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning about the area. The student must through papers or other presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid work experience. Such volunteer service or paid work may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer service or paid work must be documented in writing, and the document must be signed by the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer service or paid work.