Service-Learning Diplomas and Awards

The vision of the Character Development Initiative is for the Guilford County Schools students' to lead and learn with strong character. One of the Strategic Plan’s goals is to provide our students with the tools and motivation necessary to positively impact our world. Thus, at Guilford County Schools, we offer the following awards to students who answer this challenge:

• Service-Learning Diploma
• Service-Learning Exemplary Award

Service-Learning Diploma

The Service-Learning Diploma is a locally developed official recognition program designed to recognize high school students who are committed to serving their community.  Students who complete 250 hours of service-learning experience over the course of their high school years will receive this certification upon graduation.  The program is designed to recognize students who dedicate a significant amount of their time to service-learning in an effort to address challenges and solve problems in their community.  All students who complete this program will be awarded a GCS Service-Learning Diploma.  Additionally, at graduation, these students will be distinguished by wearing a Service-Learning cord. Commencing in the 2010-2011 school year, students will be made aware of how they can start earning hours toward this diploma which will be awarded for the first time in 2012. Modifications to the requirements will be made in the first TWO years the diploma is awarded.

The first diplomas to honor students completing 250 hours of service-learning experiences will be granted at the 2014 commencement exercises.

It is recommended that students distribute these hours over the course of the four years of their high school.  This pacing will make their service more consequential and manageable with their other academic responsibilities.

After 2014, there will be no further adjustments to the number of hours required for the obtainment of the Service-Learning Diploma. Students entering GCS at any time after their ninth-grade year will still be required to complete 250 service hours to be eligible for the Service-Learning Diploma. Documented and verifiable Service-Learning hours that meet the program criteria completed in school districts outside of Guilford County will count towards the Service-Learning Exemplary Award.

Service-Learning Exemplary Award
Service-Learning Exemplary Award is an honor a GCS high school student, who devotes a minimum of 100 hours of service-learning experience in their community over the course of their high school years, may receive upon graduation.  Modifications to the requirements will be made in the first TWO years the award is given.

Starting in the 2012-2013 school year, students entering GCS at any time earlier than the senior year will be required to complete 100 service hours to be eligible for the award. Students who enter GCS during their senior year must complete a minimum of 50 service hours to earn the Service-Learning Exemplary Award.

While there is no set number of hours to be earned in any school year, as a time management tool, we recommend the following schedule as a guide.

For both Service-Learning Diploma and Service-Learning Exemplary Award

Students may begin documenting hours in the ninth grade and may continue their work during the summer.  Service hours performed over the summer must be approved in advance.  All documentations to be considered for graduation must be submitted no later than May 15th of the student's senior year.