A community service project is required by the Miami-Dade County School Board as a requirement for graduation. All proposals must outline a “high quality” project worthy of consideration and be a minimum of 150 hours.
Community service is an integral part of the education of our nation’s youth. Through service to others, students improve their self-esteem, develop a sense of responsibility, and develop sensitivity to the needs of others and the community. Community Service is giving back to society.
Community service hours must be performed solely by the student and may be performed at any of the following: (1) a non-profit organization, (2) a government agency, (2) a school, (3) a hospital, (4) a retirement organization or home, or (5) for a disabled or elderly individual in need of assistance. See the activities director for additional organizations and agencies that typically welcome volunteers. Students may not receive community service hours for work on an individual’s political campaign or for volunteering in a relative’s business and may not receive any compensation such as money, gifts or other benefits for their service. The school must approve and verify that the student’s community service complies with these requirements.
Document your hours on the “Activity Log Form”. In addition, please attach an original copy of the letter verifying your community service hours on letterhead from the agency or organization (Example at the bottom).
Summarize one of your community service experiences in essay form and address the following in your essay:
- Describe your community service project and why you wanted to volunteer with this organization
- Describe the main activities you engaged in while volunteering
- Describe the impact you believe your project had on the community
- Briefly describe your project and the main activities of your project.
When you have completed all documentation as specified above, have your parent/guardian sign the Activity Log Form.
In your Junior year, your completed community service packet must be turned in to Mrs. Molina in the Activities Office by the middle of April in order to have those hours reflected in the transcript you will send out with college applications the following school year. (Should you wish to turn in a Community Service documents in your Freshmen and/or Sophomore year, you may do so during the designated dates with Mrs. Molina.)
Students wishing to qualify for a SILVER CORD upon graduation must complete a minimum of 500 hours.
Students wishing to qualify for a GOLD CORD upon graduation must complete a minimum of 1000 hours.
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