Why do community service?

• Character Development
• College Applications
• Club Memberships
  • 25 hours for National Honor Society
  • 20 hours for AP Honor Society
• To earn a high school credit (if necessary):
  • 75 hours earns 0.50 credit
  • 150 hours earns 1.00 credit
• Graduation Honors
  • 100 hours earns a Silver Pin
  • 250 hours earns Silver Honor cords and a medallion
• Scholarships
  • 75 hours for Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholars
  • Various amounts required for other scholarships

What is the procedure?

1. Obtain forms from the Career Room or click here to download.
2. Ask agency to complete form
3. Turn in agency form to Mrs. Plankenhorn for approval before you begin your hours
4. Upon approval, you will receive a Log Sheet to begin logging your hours
5. Begin hours

What are approved hours?

Hours must be served through an organzation, not simply an individual, and it must be a non-profit organization 

• Public schools
• Chamber of Commerce
• Nursing homes, hospitals, nonprofit clinics
• Libraries
• Animal shelters
• Churches (cannot be related to worship or evangelism).  Click here to see guidelines for community service through church. 

What hours are NOT accepted?

• Service performed for pay
• Hours completed during school hours
• Hours required by a class, or court ordered, etc.
• Hours through church related to worship or evangelism.  Click here to see guidelines for community service through church
• Doctors/Veterinarians offices
• Babysitting
• Regular meeting or practice times

Where can I find places to volunteer?

See Find Places to Volunteer in the navigation bar.

Where can I get the necessary forms?

See Community Service Forms in the navigation bar.

Additional Information

Polk County School Board Community Service Homepage

Sweat Monkey

Pupil Progression Plan - legal language defining approved community service hours as set by PCSB