Student Service Learning (a BCPS graduation requirement)
What is service-learning and why is it required?
  • Service-learning combines meaningful service to the community with classroom learning. Students apply what they learn in school to real-world needs, then reflect on their experience.
  • Under Maryland state regulation (Maryland State Department of Education / MSDE), every public school student must complete at least 75 hours of service-learning in order to earn a Maryland High School Diploma.
  • In BCPS, this requirement is embedded in the graduation criteria—that means these hours are part of planning for high school success even if your student is currently in middle school.
What does that mean for middle school students?
  • Students in grades 6-8 can begin earning service-learning hours. Some classes assign infused service-learning opportunities through regular courses.
  • By the time students reach high school, they should be working toward the total of 75 hours. Having a strong start in middle school makes completion much easier.
  • The Student Service Learning Coordinator (Mrs. Cook, 8th grade counselor) can help track hours, approve independent projects, and make sure the work meets the required criteria.
How do the hours break down / what counts?
  • There are two main ways to earn hours:
    • Infused Hours: These are service-learning experiences built into specific classes (especially in middle school or high school). For example, some middle-school courses may include service-learning components.
    • Independent Hours: These are service-learning experiences that students initiate outside of their required coursework (clubs, community organizations, individual projects). These must be pre-approved and include the components of preparation, action, and reflection.
  • What counts: The service must be with a non-profit or approved agency, meet the service-learning standards (not just generic volunteering), and include a reflection phase.
What you and your student should do now
  • Talk together about possible service-learning opportunities — these could be at the school, local library, community organization, or even something your student is passionate about.
  • Obtain the pre-approval form for independent projects so that any work done will count toward the requirement.
  • Keep a record of what your student does: dates, hours, description, and a contact person/site supervisor. This makes the submission and verification process much smoother.
  • Encourage your student to reflect on their service: what they learned, how it connects to what they’re studying in class, and how it impacts the community. Reflection is a required part of service-learning.
  • Check in periodically to see how many hours your student has completed.
Why this matters
By completing these hours, students not only satisfy a graduation requirement but also:
  • Learn leadership, civic responsibility, and real-world skills.
  • Make connections between what they learn in school and the needs of their community.
  • Build a stronger college or job application through meaningful service.
  • Reduce stress in high school by having the requirement already in progress.
If you have questions or need help:
  • Contact Mrs. Cook, the school’s Service-Learning Coordinator and 8th grade counselor.
  • You can also visit the BCPS Student Service-Learning webpage for guidelines, forms, and approved agency lists.