Mater Lakes Academy: 10 Volunteer Hours Required for Graduation, Bright Futures Eligibility Detailed for Class of 2027

Hialeah students at Mater Lakes Academy (MLA) must complete specific volunteer hours to meet graduation requirements and qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Program. The school outlined these guidelines, particularly for the Class of 2027, emphasizing the different hour totals and submission processes.

All MLA students must complete a total of 10 volunteer hours to graduate. Paid hours do not count towards this specific graduation requirement. However, for those aiming for the Florida Bright Futures Program, students need a total of 100 volunteer or paid hours, or a combination of both.

Beyond graduation, students can earn recognition for extensive service. A graduation tassel requires 400 hours, while a graduation stole demands 1000 hours. Students must complete and submit all hours for tassels and stoles before the October deadline.

The submission process varies based on where students complete their service. Volunteer hours performed within MLA require documentation on an Activity Log. For hours completed outside of MLA, students must submit a letterhead from the organization certifying the completed hours. All submissions, including a mandatory essay, go through an online portal; the school does not accept physical projects.

The required essay asks students to describe their project, outline planning and execution steps, detail any problems encountered and their solutions, and reflect on the project's impact on the community and their personal learning. Required documents for submission include a signed Activity Log, the completed essay, and a company letterhead if applicable.

Students can access the Service Project Log and the Senior Submission Form online to ensure they meet all requirements.