Deerfield Beach HS: Service Hours for Graduation

Deerfield Beach High School students must complete 40 documented hours in the Student Volunteer Service Program for standard diploma graduation. The School Board integrated service learning and volunteer service into the curriculum to encourage civic responsibility and community engagement among students.

Service learning connects participants' learning and development with active community service. The program coordinates with school programs and the community, aiming to influence lifelong learning through structured reflection on service experiences. This approach teaches civil participation skills and fosters an ethic of service, whether students help with a Pier cleanup or assist at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center.

The Service Learning and Volunteer Service Program has three tiers. Tier I hours are mandatory for graduation. Tier II hours fulfill Bright Futures Initial Eligibility Requirements, and Tier III hours earn a silver cord at graduation. Students can volunteer with public, nonprofit agencies, civic, charitable, and governmental organizations, or on school campuses in Deerfield Beach.

Students pursuing Bright Futures scholarships can also apply paid work hours. Since July 1, 2022, state statute allows paid work hours to count toward Bright Futures awards. All Bright Futures awards require 100 paid work hours, separate from community service requirements. For instance, students seeking the Medallion award need 75 service hours or 100 paid work hours. Community service and paid work hours can be combined. However, paid work hours cannot fulfill graduation-required community service or earn the Silver Cord.