Community Service Guidelines

The District of Columbia was one of the first large urban school districts in the country to include community service as a graduation requirement. The community service requirement aims to equip students with the necessary skills and abilities for career and educational advancement as well as motivate students to take an active role as leaders in their communities.

DC Municipal Regulations require at least 100 hours of volunteer community service in order for students to graduate.

Community service hours must be performed through a 501(c)(3) organization or federal, state, or local agency and be properly documented to count towards the graduation requirement. 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-exempt charitable organizations that apply for and meet requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service. Federal state or local government agencies are any agencies that provide some regulatory service or enforcement and are responsible for the oversight and administration of a specific government function.

This school year community service hours will now appear on the report card and progress reports. This feature will provide students and parents with up-to-date information regarding the hours that are currently on file at their school.