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Community Service Graduation Requirements

What is the Community Service Learning?

Community Service Learning (CSL) is an educational program designed to combine volunteer work with academic learning, personal development, and civic responsibility. Under the LEARNS Act (AR Act 237), starting with the Class of 2027, all Arkansas public high school students are required to complete 75 hours of documented community service to graduate. 

This initiative ensures that students actively contribute to their communities while gaining practical experience, leadership skills, and a deeper sense of responsibility. Through CSL, students have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities, and build connections with community organizations. 

Steps to Earn Credit and Track Hours

  1. Plan and Complete Service: Students plan and complete service projects that align with curriculum goals and address community needs.
  2. Track Hours: Students log service hours using the MobileServe App with their school Google Login.
    • Do not create an account using a personal email address. 
    • Volunteer Hours are automatically submitted to the school coordinators.
  3. Verification and Approval: Logged hours are verified by an adult overseeing the service and then reviewed and approved by the school coordinator. 

Guidelines

  • Students must complete 75 total hours of service throughout grades 9-12.
  • Hours can be distributed across the years without a set minimum for each grade level.
  • All hours must be logged in MobileServe and verified to count toward the requirement.

Approved Community Service Sites

Per Arkansas state law, all nonprofits, schools, churches, and government agencies are automatically approved as a Community Service Learning Credit site. Private companies require approval by the school board. 

Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS) maintains a list of approved private companies. 

Approved Sites

 

Special Circumstances

 

Transferring Students

Students who transfer into an Arkansas public school or graduate early must meet a prorated hourly requirement based on their years of attendance:

  • 9th Grade: 15 hours
  • 10th Grade: 20 hours
  • 11th Grade: 20 hours
  • 12th Grade: 20 hours

Example: A student transferring in 11th grade must complete 40 hours (20 for each remaining year).

Early Graduates

Students graduating early must fulfill the required hours for the grades they attend.

Community Service Learning Coordinators

Each campus has a dedicated coordinator to assist students with logging hours, obtaining approvals, and addressing questions. For district-wide inquiries, Dr. Tony Jones, Director of Secondary Education, is available to provide support.

Dr. Tony Jones

Instruction Support

Elias Galvan

Northside

Joshua Adams

Southside

Brief History

Community Service Learning (CSL) in Arkansas began in 1993 with AR Act 648, offering students optional academic credit for volunteer work. In 2018, community service points were added to school report cards, emphasizing its importance. The 2023 LEARNS Act (AR Act 237) made CSL a mandatory graduation requirement starting with the Class of 2027, reflecting its value in fostering civic responsibility and personal growth.

 

Old Law - Community Service Learning Credit (CSLC)

Class of 2024-2026

Under Act 648 of 1993, students who complete a minimum of 75 clock hours of documented community service during grades 9–12 at any certified service agency or as part of a service-learning school program are eligible to receive one academic credit towards graduation.

  • Credit Limit: Maximum of one (1) credit per student; no partial credits.
  • Grading: The community service credit is not a graded course and will not impact GPA.
  • Eligible Service: Hours must be completed at approved community organizations or through school service-learning programs.

New Law - Community Service Learning (CSL) Graduation Requirement

Class of 2027 and Beyond

As mandated by the LEARNS Act of 2023 (Act 237), all students entering high school this year as part of the Class of 2027 must earn 75 hours of community service as a graduation requirement.

Hours are recommended to be broken up over 4 years as follows, but students may earn hours earlier than scheduled:

  • Freshmen: 15 Hours
  • Sophomores: 20 Hours (Total 35)
  • Juniors: 20 Hours (Total 55)
  • Seniors: 20 Hours (Total 75)

Frequently Asked Questions