Graduation Requirement

Beginning with the graduating class of 2027, students are required to complete 75 hours of community service in order to be a High School graduate in the State of Arkansas. Students can begin completing hours the summer before their 9th grade year and must obtain 75 hours prior to graduation. The Arkansas Department of Education suggests that students complete the following number of hours each year:

9th Grade Year: 15 Hours

10th Grade Year: 20 Hours

11th Grade Year: 20 Hours

12th Grade Year: 20 Hours

Total: 75 Hours

What is Considered Community Service?

Community service is any work done for an individual or organization for which a student did not receive payment. These should be activities carried out by individual students or groups of students to enhance and contribute to their local community.

The following types of service are acceptable by Des Arc High School:

• Any volunteer work performed on behalf of your community that is part of an organized group. Examples include: working at a concession stand; working at vacation Bible school; helping register voters or working at the polls on election day; volunteering at a food bank; etc.

• Any volunteer work performed on behalf of your community that is NOT part of an organized group. Examples include: raking an elderly neighbor’s leaves; helping out at a fundraiser to raise money for a sick neighbor; visiting members of a nursing home; reading to Elementary students; etc.

• Any volunteer work performed on behalf of your school. Examples include: Student Council canned food drive; many EAST projects; decorating for homecoming; serving as an FTA; service projects with National Honor Society; etc.