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Community Service

Volunteer

The York County School Division recognizes students who have accumulated community service hours during grades 9-12. Students may earn the YCSD Community Service Seal and/or the Virginia Board of Education's Excellence in Civics Education Seal. Community service is a great way to make a difference, build experience, and earn recognition—plus, those hours can count toward other programs too!

Read on for additional details and volunteer opportunities and use the appropriate Community Service Log below to document your volunteer hours.

Class of 2026 - Senior

Class of 2027 - Junior

Class of 2028 - Sophomore

Class of 2029 - Freshman

YCSD Community Service Seal

Purpose:
Recognizes students who demonstrate civic engagement by completing 150+ hours of community service during grades 9–12. This seal is optional and not required for graduation.

Eligibility & Use:

  • Students must complete 150 hours over four years of high school.*
  • There is no minimum requirement per year.
  • Hours may also count toward other recognitions, such as the Honors Program, honor societies, and/or the Excellence in Civics Seal.  See the YCSD Program of Studies for more details.

Service Guidelines:

  • Must benefit at least one non-family member.
  • Students cannot receive compensation or academic credit.
  • Service must be completed under the sponsorship of a qualifying organization, such as:
    • Non-profits
    • Schools
    • Government agencies
    • Hospitals
    • Nursing homes
    • Religious organizations
    • Shelters
  • For-profit businesses do not qualify.
  • Class-time service does not count.
  • After-school service tied to a class project may be included.

Documentation & Supervision:

  • Students must log their hours on the official Community Service Log once per school year.
  • All hours must be submitted no later than April 15 of senior year.
  • For each activity, students are responsible for identifying a supervisor who can verify their service.

*Transfer Students: Students transferring into YCSD in grades 10–12 may complete a prorated number of hours:

Transfer Grade Level Hours Required
10th Grade 120 hours
11th Grade 80 hours
12th Grade 40 hours

 

Virginia Board of Education’s Excellence in Civics Education Seal

The Virginia Department of Education offers recognition to students who meet each of the following four criteria:

  • Earn a qualifying diploma: Satisfy the requirements for a Modified Standard Diploma, Standard Diploma, or Advanced Studies Diploma.

  • Academic achievement in civics courses: Complete Virginia & United States History and Virginia & United States Government courses with a grade of "B" or higher.

  • Community service or extracurricular involvement: Complete 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or civics-focused extracurricular activities. Examples include:

    • Volunteering for charitable or religious organizations serving the poor, sick, or less fortunate
    • Participation in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or similar youth organizations
    • Involvement in JROTC
    • Participation in political campaigns, government internships, Boys State, Girls State, or Model General Assembly
    • Engagement in school-sponsored extracurricular activities with a civics focus
      Note: Students who enlist in the U.S. military prior to graduation are considered to have met this requirement.

  • Good attendance and conduct: Maintain good attendance and have no disciplinary infractions, as determined by local school board policies.

Students who meet all criteria are awarded the Excellence in Civics Education Seal on their diplomas.

Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a service opportunity near you?  VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads has a variety of volunteer opportunities for teens in the local area.