Student service learning involves completing service projects through school classes to fulfill graduation requirements, but students can also volunteer outside of school to earn a Meritorious Service Award. To earn this award, students must complete at least 75 hours of volunteering with a non-profit organization outside of school time tracked through service learning forms. Volunteering offers benefits like satisfaction from helping the community, recognition at graduation, and positive attributes to include on college and job applications.

1. Student Service Learning has Rewards and Awards! A Student’s Guide to Service Learning

2. It’s a graduate requirement for all students in Maryland. So… if you want to graduate with an FCPS diploma, then you have to meet the service learning requirements What is Student Service Learning?

3. Frederick County’s Service Learning Plan has TWO aspects to it: First, FCPS has infused service learning activities throughout the elementary, middle and high school curriculums. What does that mean? Very simply, your teachers will incorporate service learning activities into their class lessons. If you pass your classes, than you have fulfilled the service learning requirement and you can graduate!

4. YES! Volunteering outside of the school day is NOT required! I repeat - service learning projects outside of school are NOT REQUIRED! (You’ve got that right?) Got it. But what if I really want to volunteer outside of the school day? Is it really that simple?

5. I’m glad you asked! This brings us to the second aspect of the FCPS service learning plan. When you volunteer your time outside of the school day, we call this Meritorious Service Learning . (This is like extra credit because you are going beyond the service learning requirement and it is optional.)

6. There are many benefits! Most importantly, you will have satisfaction and pride because you helped your community. You will also earn a Meritorious Service Award at graduation if you volunteer 75 or more hours outside the school day. (Hint! Colleges and future employers often look for students who have extended their learning experiences outside of the classroom.) What do I get for volunteering?

7. When can I start earning a Meritorious Service Learning Award? Now! Kids who wish to work towards the Meritorious Service Award may begin in middle school. You can earn up to, but no more than 25 hours while in middle school. (Guess what else?) If you earn 25 hours while in middle school, you will receive an award at the 8th grade awards assembly.

8. So how do I make Meritorious Service Learning Hours count? Welcome to real life. You have to fill out a form – a Meritorious Service Learning Form – for each activity and turn it into your school’s SSL coordinator – Mrs. Cole (Your teacher can show you what one looks like.) The form can be found on the service learning bulletin board across from the media center, Mrs. Cole’s room (233), in the guidance office, and on our school’s website! (Okay, maybe that’s overkill, but I wanted to make sure you could get your hands on one fast!)

9. How do I keep track of my hours? That’s the easy part! After you give Mrs. Cole your forms, she will keep track of the hours for you. Remember, you can earn up to, but no more than 25 of the 75 hours while in middle school. All of your hours are recorded from middle school through high school.

10. Anything else? Yes! Service learning must occur after school , on weekends or on school vacation days . And the volunteer work must be performed with a non-profit service organization.

11. Where can I find out about service learning opportunities? Online , of course! . www.volunteerfrederick.org has dozens of opportunities. You can also watch the service learning bulletin board (near media center). And here's a tip: Do something you like to do. Like animals? You'll find animal organizations like Days End Horse Farm that need help.

12. Other service learning ideas… Serve dinner at a shelter. Collect clothing for people in need. Serve the community through your religious organization. Join “The Big Sweep” and help clean up trash in our community. Wrap gifts over the holidays for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

13. Need more reasons to volunteer? Make friends Learn new skills Make a difference Have fun Add meaning to your life Convinced?

14. Thanks for asking such great questions!