In 1992, the District of Columbia Board of Education recognized the importance of instilling in students an ethic of service and an appreciation for giving back to the community. All students must complete at least 100 hours of community service in order to obtain a high school diploma from DCPS. There is no maximum. Community service is defined as an independent act of providing a needed service to a person or persons.

The goals of community service are to:

• Foster a life‐long habit of serving others;

• Increase a student’s sense of social responsibility and civic engagement;

• Provide opportunities for students to identify and engage issues impacting their community;

• Provide access to real‐life authentic experiences that will prepare them for college, career and life.

All community service hours must be completed through a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization or a federal, state or local government agency. When recording community service hours, students must use the DCPS Community Service Form and submit completed forms to their guidance counselor. Please contact your guidance counselor with additional questions.

Volunteer Resource Websites