Service-Learning Requirements
Service-Learning is often confused with volunteering or community service. While both activities are defined as forms of service within a community, they do not necessarily include a structured educational connection for participants, which is a foundation of all service-learning projects. Students are encouraged to speak with their school service-learning coordinator to discuss if a volunteer or other service activity can be developed into a service-learning project by incorporating a structured educational component.
To graduate from a Baltimore County Public School, students must complete 75 service-learning hours. Many courses integrate service-learning activities directly into their curriculum. For students following a standard middle school course sequence, 60 of these hours can typically be earned by completing all assigned activities in the following subjects:
- 6th Grade: Language Arts, Social Studies, Health, and Technology
- 7th Grade: Art and Technology
- 8th Grade: Science and Health
By the end of middle school, students who attend school regularly and complete all required coursework, including any make-up assignments for service-learning activities, can accumulate up to 60 hours.
Students may also earn additional hours through student-initiated service, community involvement, extra-curricular activities, or special projects.
Independent Hours
Students may also work on projects in school clubs, class projects (outside of infused lessons), and outside of the school day. Approved public agencies must be a non-profit organization and the service act must meet the MSDE requirements. This includes direct service, indirect service, or advocacy.
Students are required to complete a pre-approval with their service-learning coordinator or counselor to make sure the activity meets MSDE requirements. After the service activity has been completed, the student will turn in their reflection form to the service-learning coordinator to have the hours recorded.
For more information and service-learning opportunities, refer to BCPS’s Resource Directory: https://www.bcps.org/cos/communications/FACE/student_service_learning, or visit these recommended websites:
www.dosomething.org
www.operationgratitude.com
www.specialolympics.org/program_locator.aspx
Hours Verification and Reflection Form
Blank forms are in the guidance counseling office on the black shelf. Any complete forms can be returned to Mrs. Skinner Rm#112 or dropped off in the counseling office in the Service-Learning Drop Box.
Service-Learning Connections
NAHS students can find service learning opportunities through approved agencies like the B&O Railroad
Museum and Meals on Wheels, and by participating in projects with Living Classrooms Foundation for
environmental or community cleanups. These centers should be contacted with the support of a parent
or guardian as they are off school grounds. Students must receive a service-learning hours form (forms
are located in the guidance office) they must be completed by the students and the agency you have
partnered with prior to starting your hours. Completed forms can be dropped off in the guidance office or
to Mrs. Skinner in Rm#112.
Approved agencies
• B&O Railroad Museum: Participate in activities through a partnership with the museum.
• Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland: Assist with meal preparation or delivery.
• Living Classrooms Foundation: Help with community cleanups, gardening, and other
beautification projects in East Baltimore.
• There Goes My Hero: Support the organization's mission through service activities.
• Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS): Volunteer at the animal shelter (check for
age restrictions and specific opportunities).
• Paul's Place / Our Daily Bread/ Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club: Serve meals or assist with
other programs at these community centers.