Service learning is a teaching method designed to involve students in authentic and meaningful service to their communities. Service learning makes connections between the classroom and the community and provides structured time for students to reflect on their service experiences. It is intended to instill a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging students to access their impact on the community as active contributors to society. Students can engage in a variety of activities.

Service learning is encouraged for all FCPS students.  FCPS is documenting the successful completion of service learning projects for students in grades 6, 8, and 12. High school students may accumulate service hours leading to special recognition at graduation.

FCPS Service Learning Cord

To qualify: A student must complete 40 hours of service learning over the course of four years of high school.

Commonwealth Civic Seal

To qualify: A student must complete a total of 50 hours of service over the course of the four years of high school in addition to earning a B or better in US History and US government. The 40 hours used for the cords work toward the Civic Seal as well.

Seal for Excellence in Science and the Environment 

To qualify: A student must complete at least 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application of science. In addition a student must complete at least three different first-level laboratory science courses and at least one advanced-level laboratory science course. Students must earn a B in those science classes.

Logging Hours

Students will verify their hours using the X2VOL tracking system. Students may access their X2VOL accounts by logging into their Naviance account through FCPS Blackboard. 

​​​​Volunteer Now!:

Students can visit the Volunteer Fairfax website to volunteer. This leads students to the center’s volunteer database, which offers hundreds of volunteering opportunities with local nonprofits. Students can narrow their volunteering search by requesting a certain location, mission area, skill, or agency.

Youth Service-Learning Directory:

Volunteer Fairfax also offers a youth service-learning directory as well. This directory contains information related to youth volunteering such as getting started, how to research and find a nonprofit, and other helpful hints. Most importantly, the directory provides a list of local nonprofits looking for youth volunteers. Each entry includes the organization's location, minimum age, available times, mission, and opportunities. This resource is a great way for teens to find available causes they may be interested in. Get started today!   

For more information about service learning, please contact Renee Foster at [email protected]