Based on the LEARNS Act,  Act 237, passed in 2023, high school students shall complete a minimum of seventy-five (75) clock hours of documented community service in grades nine – twelve (9-12) in order to graduate.

Requirements:

• Beginning with the graduating class of 2026-2027 (students that began 9th grade in the fall of 2023) students shall complete a minimum of seventy-five (75) clock hours of documented community service in grades nine – twelve (9-12) in order to graduate.  

  • Fifteen (15) hours for students in grade nine (9);

  • Twenty (20) hours for students in grade ten (10);

  • Twenty (20) hours for students in grade eleven (11);

  • Twenty (20) hours for students in grade twelve (12). 

• The community service year runs from August 1 – July 31, example:

  • Students who began 9th grade in August of 2023 can use volunteer hours earned between August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024.

  • Seniors must complete twenty (20) hours in grade twelve by May 1st in order to graduate.

     

What counts as community service?

• Volunteer (unpaid) work for a church, non-profit organization, 503C, charity, or individual (not a family member).  Examples:

  • Assist public healthcare organizations such as the Red Cross;

  • Services performed for animal shelter or rescue;

  • Assisting in a retirement home or helping an elderly neighbor;

  • Civic organizations such as Lions Club, Rotary, Scouting, Kiwanis, etc.;

  • Assisting religious institutions with cleaning, landscaping, cemetery clean-up days, etc.;

  • City government.

• Volunteer hours completed by a school club or team are acceptable as long as the student does not receive payment.

Note:  this is not an all-inclusive list – if you have any questions please contact Email Mrs. Kichline or 479-643-3381.

What does NOT count as community service?

• Service for a student’s family or family business or farm;

• Hours worked for any activity for which pay is received or a grade/credit is earned;

• Court-ordered community service;  

How do I document my hours?

• Print the form available here or get a copy of the form in the high school office. 

• Complete the form and have it signed by the organization. 

• Turn the form into the Career Counselor in the high school office.      

What if I cannot complete the required hours?
The District Board of Directors may grant a waiver of this requirement for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Disclaimers:
The Arkansas Department of Education is currently writing the rules to govern the Community Service Diploma requirement, so the information shown here is subject to change.