Students can earn credits for community service

Two weeks ago, The Patriot published a story about an opportunity high school students now can get to earn credits toward graduation for working in a health care field such as a senior living facility, hospital, clinic, or licensed child care center. Next school year, Waconia students also will be able to get credit for community service.

District 110 Community Education leaders shared the concept at a March school board meeting and a program is slated to be in place by next fall. Pending final board approval, students will be able to get one-half graduation credit for every 30 hours of community service they work, and up to one credit over their grade 9-12 secondary school career.

They also may be able to get an academic letter for hours of service and board recognition for surpassing the 80-hour mark.

District Director of Community Education Steven Jensen said the credit for community service opportunity is offered in only a few school districts now – Burnsville for one where he served before coming to Waconia, but seems to be a growing emphasis in Minnesota education circles. Community Ed receives state funding per pupil for youth service directed toward opportunities to increase youth involvement, develop lifelong service learners, and build community in the school and locally.

Michael Peterson, ISD 110 Community Ed youth coordinator, points out that many clubs and activities are built around or have a component of community service, such as National Honor Society, Conservation Club, student council, and some athletic programs. Other non-school programs also are driven by community service, such as Scouts and 4-H. Nothing will change from those except that students will be able to earn school credit for community service with those groups.

Program leaders also will be looking for additional interest and opportunities through a student youth service advisory council. The goal is to make the program “student-centric,” Peterson said. The intent is to put the council in place early next school year to seek out and create new opportunities for service, provide updates and feedback on projects, and develop ideas for increased student engagement.

A free web service called InnerView will be used to create listings for service opportunities, enable students to sign up for service events, and track service hours.

Outside the halls of school, program coordinators and students also will be reaching out to the community to identify service needs and seek out partnerships to create service projects. Efforts are intended to be more broad-based in focus, not like cutting a neighbor’s grass – although that certainly is appreciated too, program leaders agree.

Peterson adds that community service partnerships could also demonstrate or lead to lead to career opportunities in the community.

Groups interested in more information about community service partnerships may contact Peterson at 952-442-0670, or by email at: mpeterson@isd110.org .