Yorktown High School
Community Service

What is Community Service?

Community service is the act of giving one's time and effort to address needs and improve the quality of life within a defined community. It is the active, selfless engagement of individuals to improve the welfare of people, places, or animals beyond their immediate educational environment. It extends past internal school duties and is typically directed toward non-profit organizations, government or civic efforts, the environment, community improvement projects, and vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, or those struggling with hardship.

Effective September 2025, we have updated our community service procedures to improve efficiency and protect student privacy. The preapproval form is no longer required. Additionally, to maintain confidentiality, students can no longer access the hours-tracking spreadsheet directly. Instead, email has become the primary source of communication for all service-related updates. To help these messages stand out in your inbox, all emails regarding upcoming volunteer opportunities will be marked with a red heart emoji (❤️). Furthermore, you will receive a reminder email every spring prompting you to document and submit any hours you have completed throughout the year.

To ensure you stay informed of your progress, "Total Hours" status updates will be sent directly to your student email with a red exclamation point emoji (❗️) in the subject line.  

*Community Service is NOT required for graduation
*A minimum of 50 hours is required to be entered on your college transcript.
*A minimum of 60 hours is required to apply to the National Honor Society (NHS)

*A minimum of 100 hours will earn you a gold cord at graduation.

*A minimum of 200 hours will earn you a double cord (gold, green/gold) at graduation.

*A minimum of 300 hours will earn you a triple cord (gold, green/gold, green/gold/white) at graduation.