Grade Level Service Requirements

Freshmen are required to complete at least 10 hours of service. This service can be with or for family members or can be for a neighbor in need of help (elderly, physically disabled, developmentally challenged, etc.). Freshmen can participate in babysitting, tutoring, cleaning up yards, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, etc. or can invite a family member to participate with them in a fundraiser for a non-profit organization. Freshmen Service can also include work outside of family and neighborhood, such as volunteering for a non-profit organization, your Church community, or service to someone in need.

Sophomores are required to complete at least 20 hours of service, and are encouraged (but not required) to do so with other sophomores from Scranton Prep. This can include participation in activities sponsored by non-profit organizations within the Scranton area (Thanksgiving/Easter gift basket preparation, Christmas activities, Race for the Cure, Church picnics, Prep functions, etc.).

There are many opportunities for juniors to provide service to the local community. Juniors are expected to complete at least 20 hours of service throughout the summer and/or school year. Each junior must arrange their service hours with the junior class service moderator(s) at the beginning of the junior year. Students enter the junior year at a crucial phase of the service experience as a member of the Prep community. Juniors are expected to work in a community agency and perform tasks that enable them to interact and develop relationships with those they serve. The junior service project must assist people who are in the most significant need in our community in keeping with our mission of becoming “men and women for others.” Students are encouraged to engage in work which pushes them beyond their “comfort zone,” or allows them the opportunity to be active role models for the youth of our community.

*Although juniors are encouraged to continue their work at Prep functions, church picnics, and animal shelters, these projects do not fulfill their junior expectation.

Seniors are expected to complete at least 50 hours of service to the local, national, and/ or international communities. Students must volunteer at a non-profit agency that serves people with special needs. Often students work with the elderly, physically or developmentally, economically, and/or academically challenged.

There are two options:

• Seniors may apply for one of the summer service programs.
• Students who are not interested in a summer immersion program or are not placed in a program will choose a pre-approved agency through Mr. Bernard in the Fall of senior year.

The hours of service are to be completed with one agency unless otherwise agreed upon with Mr. Bernard. Service hours must be performed “with people rather than paper,” meaning that seniors should not do office/clerical work or work which does not bring them into direct contact with people. This service must be completed either during the summer between junior and senior year or during senior year.

IMPORTANT

Service hours are to be completed outside of students’ normal instructional hours – that is, the activities are to take place after school, on weekends, or during school holidays. All seniors are required to have their service hours completed and their signed 30 confirmation of hours letters submitted by final exam week. Completion of all service hours is required for graduation.