Community Service Requirements

  • Per Florida Statute 1009.534, in order to meet the Bright Futures requirement, a student must identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that interests him or her, develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning about the area, and, through papers or other presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her experience.

    Except for credit earned through service-learning courses adopted pursuant to s. 1003.497, the student may not receive remuneration or academic credit for the volunteer service work performed. Such work may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer service must be documented in writing, and the document must be signed by the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer service work.

    The hours of volunteer service must be documented in writing, and the document must be signed by the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer service work.  Students may do more than one service project.  It is the student's responsibility to know the deadline for submission of volunteer service hours.  Please contact Mrs. Schrier-Simmons, schriersimmonsl@manateeschools.net , for more information.

    There is NO volunteer/community service requirement for graduation.  

     What else you should know:

    • Only activities performed during high school can be included.  High school begins the summer after 8th grade is completed.
    • All hours must be verified by Mrs. Schrier-Simmons, the Volunteer Service Coordinator.
    • If you are unsure if your volunteer service activity will count, check with Mrs. Schrier-Simmons at lunch or in student services before or after school.
    • Volunteer service hours will not be given for travel, meals, or sleep time during overnight events.
    • All volunteer service hours must be documented on the Approved School District of Manatee County Volunteer Service Verification Form or on company/organization letterhead, signed by the service supervisor.  Parents/relatives may not be the service project supervisor. 
    • Volunteer Service activity reporting must be detailed, to include the dates, times, activities performed and hours earned.
    • Volunteer service hours will only be accepted when there is a responsible adult/supervisor on site to evaluate and confirm student performance.
    • Business internships must be completed at a non-profit agency and may not be under the supervision or administrative leadership of a family member.
    • Students must submit a written evaluation of the project.