Volunteer Service Information
EWHS
and the Edmonds School District do not have a Volunteer Service
requirement for graduation. However, students may choose to participate
in one of our two Volunteer recognition programs outlined below: United Way's Varsity Letter in Community Service and/or Volunteering for School Credit.
2 Volunteer Recognition Opportunities:
1)
The Edmonds School District and the United Way of Snohomish County are
partnering to offer the Varsity Letter in Community Service program to
high school students, in order to reward students who make an
outstanding commitment to volunteerism. Students must volunteer 145
hours between April 1st, 2019 and March 31st, 2020.
New for 2018-19 and beyond, 70 of the hours must be completed in CORE-aligned service work benefiting children age birth-8 years old and their families with low income, specifically in Snohomish County. Also, students must meet
the minimum GPA requirement of 2.0. For more information visit the
United Way Varsity Letter Website. Applications are due online April 1, 2020. $15 fee.
2)
Students can receive .5 elective credit for completion of 90 hours of
community service. Service hours can accrue throughout high school. Students can do this two times: a total of 180 hours for 1.0 credit. However, Students
must receive
pre-approval for community service activities. Hours only count if they
are completed with a non-profit or charity, school or church. Volunteer
hours completed for your neighbor or for a local business do NOT count.
Please see Mrs. Lipscomb in the Career Center for pre-approval, and a
volunteer instruction packet. If it is summer,please email Mrs. Lipscomb
with the place you plan to volunteer and your supervisor's name and
contact information for pre-approval.
Volunteer Service Credit Packet 201819.pdf
* Previous years we offered a third volunteer recognition program, The President's Volunteer Service Award. Unfortunately, as of June 1, 2018 we have suspended the President's Volunteer Service Award. It will no longer be offered to EWHS students. Thank you for your understanding.
FAQ's- Volunteering for School Credit:
Q: Why should I volunteer?
A: Volunteering
is an important part of being a great citizen in your community, both
at EWHS and in the Edmonds and the greater global community. Volunteer
service is also becoming increasingly important in the college
admissions process, where admissions officers now review applications
holistically and want to see that there are indications that students
will continue to make positive contributions, this time on the college
campus community. Volunteering is also a great way to develop references
for job applications. And volunteering can help you explore careers of
interest!
Q: Do I have to get approval from the Career Center to volunteer even if I don't need credit?
A:
No! The Volunteer program at EWHS is no longer required for graduation,
but it is encouraged because volunteer service is very valuable for
students and is a great learning experience. Students can volunteer on
their own without school involvement. However, for students who would
like to earn credit for their volunteer work that they can use towards
the completion of their high school graduation credit requirements,
they must follow the procedure for pre-approval and submit the
appropriate paperwork found in the Career Center or on the above link.
Q: What types of organizations will be "approved" volunteer sites?
A: Generally,
an approved volunteer site is a non-profit organization. Schools and
churches are non-profit organizations. Volunteering at a store or for a
family member or friend is NOT considered volunteer work for the EWHS
recognition program. Organizations must be registered non-profits or
charities to receive approval.
Q: Can I complete 90 hours of service by volunteering with more than one organization?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to complete the volunteer paperwork for each organization for which you volunteer.
Q: Is there a certain time frame in which I have to complete my 90 hours?
A: No,
if you volunteer for the SAME organization the entire time, you can
continue to work on your hours throughout your high school career. But
if you complete your volunteer service at a certain location, you should
complete all the paperwork for that particular volunteer experience and
turn it in within 30 days of completing your hours with that
organization.
Q: Where can I get ideas about where I can do volunteer work locally?