Required Community Service for High School Graduation

Required community service for all graduating high school students can be an enriching experience for both the student, at present and in later years, and for the organization in need. Community service can lead to a healthier and longer life, physically and emotionally. Students will have a sense of pride and accomplishment when they share their time and talent. Studies show that a person may become healthier through an active role in community service. Other research shows that individuals who participate in volunteering have better physical and emotional health than those who do not, especially among those adults aged 65 or older.

Supporting emotions and having control over one's fate, makes a person resilient, and builds the immune system. Community service can serve as a gain for college entrance, and will boost a resume for a job. Students will learn how their community and local government functions, and students can gain a sense of civic responsibility. Volunteering provides an opportunity for skill building, and networking to build important contacts. Statistics show that volunteering is associated with academic gain. According to stats, since 2007, 26% of the population has volunteered each year. Married people volunteer at a higher rate, about 32.3%. But there is skepticism, some feel that it is just based resume building for a career or college. It is just another activity that needs to be done to get to college. It is difficult to create programs that offer insight along with the community service. Some just see that they are performing menial, mundane or boring work.

Students may be linked to a political agenda that they don't understand. All in all, the positives of community service outweigh the negatives. I believe that community service can be vital for students, giving them the chance to apply what they've learned in the classroom to society. Students learn that they can be responsible for making great things happen as they build their confidence and self esteem. After all, every person can make a difference in the world.