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Community Service

WHS Community Service Information

Community Service is defined as identifying a social issue in the community. This requires students to look beyond themselves and reach out to an issue faced by our society (i.e. food insecurity, abuse, elderly citizen rights, etc). 

Paid Work Experience is defined as a job where students earn a weekly or biweekly paycheck and are able to document their work experience through timecards, W-2 statements, or pay stubs. Paid work hours will be recorded on the transcript for the student.

Community Service and Paid Work Experience can be combined to meet Bright Futures scholarship requirements. 

Check the FAQ’s section below and contact your counselor if you still have questions. 

Paper copies of the forms are available in the Student Services Lobby (800 Building)

Click to download and print the Community Service Form

How to Document Your Hours

Carefully read the OCPS Community Service Guidelines.

These Guidelines also include the Log and Reflection forms you will turn in. 

Determine where you would like to complete your community service and/or paid work hours. Make sure you read the information in the Guidelines for eligibility requirements.

As of August 2022, there is no longer a “Pre Approval Form” but we suggest you check with your Counselor if you have questions about the eligibility of a specific volunteer opportunity prior to completing any hours. 

Complete your hours then document and reflect your experience using the “Log and Reflection” form included in the Guidelines.

TIP! Turn in your hours as you complete them rather than waiting to turn them in all at once!

The DEADLINE for SENIORS to turn in hours is MAY 14th!

Collect any and all necessary documentation and signatures from the organization when the hours take place.

Remember! Hours cannot be certified by a parent or other family member, they must be signed by the direct supervisor of your hours. 

Instructions on how to document and turn in paid work hours are included on the OPCS Community Service Guidelines form. 

  • Carefully read the OCPS Community Service Guidelines.

    These Guidelines also include the Log and Reflection forms you will turn in. 

  • Determine where you would like to complete your community service and/or paid work hours. Make sure you read the information in the Guidelines for eligibility requirements.

    As of August 2022, there is no longer a “Pre Approval Form” but we suggest you check with your Counselor if you have questions about the eligibility of a specific volunteer opportunity prior to completing any hours. 

  • Complete your hours then document and reflect your experience using the “Log and Reflection” form included in the Guidelines.

    TIP! Turn in your hours as you complete them rather than waiting to turn them in all at once!

    The DEADLINE for SENIORS to turn in hours is MAY 14th!

  • Collect any and all necessary documentation and signatures from the organization when the hours take place.

    Remember! Hours cannot be certified by a parent or other family member, they must be signed by the direct supervisor of your hours. 

    Instructions on how to document and turn in paid work hours are included on the OPCS Community Service Guidelines form. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, community service hours are NOT a graduation requirement, but they are a positive addition to college applications and career resumes.

    Please Note:

    • Hours may be required for various on campus clubs. Students should check with the club’s Officers or Club Sponsor for details.

  • No, students who choose to serve as an Executive Intern do not receive community service for those hours. 

  • As of January 1, 2016 Community Services Hours must be turned in within each current academic school year.

    The DEADLINE for SENIORS to turn in hours to their Counselor is May 14th!

  • No. As of August 2022, Community Service Hours no longer need preapproval from your Counselor and there is no longer a “preapproval” from to complete. 

    However, we suggest talking with your Counselor if you have questions regarding the eligilbility of a volunteer activity prior to volunteering. 

  • Yes, students can combine paid work hours and community service hours to meet the Bright Futures eligibility requirement.

  • Completed forms AND all documentation required should be turned into your Counselor as soon as possible after you complete your hours. 

    • We suggest students make a copy of their completed forms and documentation and keep for their records. 
    • Please give Counselors at least 30 days to log and update your hours in Skyward. The first and last quarters of the school year are exceptionally busy times for Counselors, please extend grace regarding hours being logged during these times. 
    • As of January 1, 2016, Community Service Hours must be turned in withint the current academic school year.

  • Community service hours to be credited on a students high school transcript or for Bright Futures can begin the summer prior to starting 9th grade; any hours earned prior to that are not eligible.

  • The Contact Name and Signature required on the Log and Reflection form should be the direct Supervisor of the activity being logged. 

    The signature CANNOT be from a parent or other family member.