Outline of the state of Virginia
State
Virginia
Required

Category
Community Service Education—Service Learning

Category
Community Service Education—Service Learning

State law requires districts to implement community service education or service learning programs, or encourages and offers student incentives for participation (e.g., recognition programs or course credit).

Code of Virginia § 22.1-212.31. Board regulations; application; expectations

The Board shall establish in regulations promulgated pursuant to § 22.1-212.29 expectations for the plan of innovation of an SDI applicant, including:

    1. Establishing goals and performance targets that may include:
  • g. Motivating students at all levels by offering additional curricular choices, personalized learning opportunities, and relevant student learning experiences such as community service projects, internship opportunities, and job shadowing.
Policy Type
Statute

Code of Virginia § 22.1-279.9. Development of programs to prevent crime and violence.

All school boards shall develop, in cooperation with the local law-enforcement agencies, juvenile and domestic relations court judges and personnel, parents, and the community at large, programs to prevent violence and crime on school property and at school-sponsored events, which shall include prevention of hazing. Activities designed to prevent the recurrence of violence and crime, including hazing, may include such interventions as education relating to Virginia's criminal law, school crime lines, peer mediation, conflict resolution, community service requirements, and any program focused on demonstrating the consequences of violence and crime. School boards are encouraged to develop and use a network of volunteer services in implementing these prevention activities.

Policy Type
Statute

Virginia Administrative Code 8VAC20-131-50. Requirements for Graduation (Effective for the Students Entering Ninth Grade Prior to the 2018-2019 School Year).

  1. The Board of Education's Seal for Excellence in Civics Education shall be awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma and
    • (i) complete Virginia and United States history and Virginia and United States government courses with a grade of "B" or higher;
    • (ii) have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions as determined by local school board policies; and
    • (iii) complete 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities.

Activities that satisfy the requirements of clause (iii) of this subdivision include:

  • (a) volunteering for a charitable or religious organization that provides services to the poor, sick, or less fortunate;
  • (b) participating in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or similar youth organizations;
  • (c) participating in JROTC;
  • (d) participating in political campaigns or government internships, or Boys State, Girls State, or Model General Assembly; or
  • (e) participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities that have a civics focus.

Any student who enlists in the United States military prior to graduation shall be deemed to have met this community service requirement.

Policy Type
Regulation

Virginia Administrative Code 8VAC20-131-51. Requirements for Graduation (Effective with the Students Who Enter the Ninth Grade in the 2018–2019 School Year).

  1. The Board of Education's Seal for Excellence in Civics Education shall be awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma and
    • (i) complete Virginia and United States history and Virginia and United States government courses with a grade of "B" or higher;
    • (ii) have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions as determined by local school board policies; and
    • (iii) complete 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities.

Activities that satisfy the requirements of clause (iii) of this subdivision include

  • (a) volunteering for a charitable or religious organization that provides services to the poor, sick, or less fortunate;
  • (b) participating in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or similar youth organizations;
  • (c) participating in JROTC;
  • (d) participating in political campaigns or government internships, or Boys State, Girls State, or Model General Assembly; or
  • (e) participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities that have a civics focus. Any student who enlists in the United States military prior to graduation shall be deemed to have met this community service requirement.
  1. The Board of Education's Seal of Biliteracy shall be awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language and meet additional criteria established by the board.

  2. The Board of Education's Seal for Excellence in Science and the Environment shall be awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma and

    • (i) complete at least three different first-level board-approved laboratory science courses and at least one rigorous advanced-level or postsecondary-level laboratory science course, each with a grade of "B" or higher;
    • (ii) complete laboratory or field-science research and present that research in a formal, juried setting; and
    • (iii) complete at least 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application of science such as environmental monitoring, protection, management, or restoration.
Policy Type
Regulation