sTUDENT SERVICE LEARNING RESOURCES

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requires that all graduating students seeking a high school diploma complete 75 service learning hours. Students and families are encouraged to read the Service Learning Guidelines in order to gain a better understanding of how the BCPS service-learning program is implemented and what requirements are needed to complete independent hours. BCPS students can begin earning hours in middle school, specifically the summer before 6th grade.

To further support the requirement, BCPS infuses service-learning opportunities within specific courses throughout their secondary career. However, it is important for students to participate in Independent service learning opportunities beyond the infused hours.

Below you will find resources to support SSL hours, including the Independent Student Service Learning Approval Form, Instructions to view your SSL hours in FOCUS, and best practices.

Student SERVICE-LEARNING hours

Service Learning Requirement

What is Student Service Learning?

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requires that all graduating students seeking a high school diploma complete 75 service learning hours.

To further support the requirement, BCPS infuses service learning opportunities within specific courses throughout their secondary career. However, it is important for students to participate in Independent service learning opportunities beyond the infused hours.

If at any time you have questions about the service-Learning process, please reach out to your school's Service-Learning Coordinator.

SSL Coordinator: Alecia Rives, rrives@bcps.org

Learn More

What is Student Service Learning?

Service-Learning is often confused with volunteering or community service.

Not all volunteer work or community services meets SSL hour criteria

Students should 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.

Learn More

Completing the requirement

How many hours does my student have?

Students may begin earning service-learning hours the summer before they enter grade 6. Students can earn hours through required curriculum projects, school-wide projects, or independent service projects.

All SSL hours must be approved before the activity starts. Each school has a service-learning coordinator to assist students. Earned hours are designated as either Infused or Independent.

Student Service Guidelines

How many hours does my student have?

Parents/Caregivers can view their child's student service-learning hours in FOCUS.
Report cards will only show "Met' or "Not Met" so it's important to stay informed!

How to Access Hours in FOCUS

Independent Student SERVICE-LEARNING FORM

Students may 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.

1. Students are required to review and complete sections 1 - 4 of the approval form.
2. Submit the form to the Service Learning Coordinator or Counselor for approval BEFORE starting the activity.
3.After the service activity has been completed, the student and site supervisor will complete sections 5-6
4. Return the form to the Service Learning Coordinator to have the hours recorded.
5. All hours must be submitted within one year of completion.

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sTUDENT SERVICE LEARNING RESOURCES

Student SERVICE-LEARNING hours

Service Learning Requirement

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

Completing the requirement

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

Independent Student SERVICE-LEARNING FORM

Instructions to access ssl hours in focus

Student SERVICE-LEARNING Hour Best practices

sTUDENT SERVICE LEARNING RESOURCES

Student SERVICE-LEARNING hours

Service Learning Requirement

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

What is Student Service Learning?

Completing the requirement

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

How many hours does my student have?

Independent Student SERVICE-LEARNING FORM

Instructions to access ssl hours in focus

Student SERVICE-LEARNING Hour Best practices

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