DHSS Press Release |
Date: March 28, 2003 DHSS-29-2003 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTEER IN THEIR COMMUNITIES
The Delaware Volunteer Credit Program (the Delaware Volunteerism Act) allows students in grades 9 through 12 at public and private schools to earn one elective high school credit toward graduation for completing 90 hours of community service.
The Delaware Volunteer Credit Program serves as a way to recognize youth for their contributions to their communities in addition to helping them build strong portfolios for college entrance, scholarships, or employment. In addition to receiving an elective credit, students will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Department of Education Secretary Valerie Woodruff.
To participate in the Delaware Volunteer Credit Program, students should request a service hours verification form from the State Office of Volunteerism, which is part of Delaware Health and Social Services' Division of State Service Centers. Students must have a representative from the agency or agencies where they volunteer sign the form to verify service hours completed.
Upon completion of 90 hours of service, students should return the form to their school, and the school will forward forms to the State Office of Volunteerism. The State Office of Volunteerism will process the forms and deliver them to the Department of Education, and then the students will receive credit on their high school transcripts.
- Students may accumulate their service hours outside their regular school day or during summer vacation. Summer hours will be applied to the fall semester.
- Service hours can be completed in any two semesters (45 hours per semester) during their high school career. Semesters do not have to be consecutive.
- Volunteer activity cannot be political or advocacy in nature.
- Hours must be verified by the agency where student volunteers, school counselor or official.
- Volunteer opportunities can be found by logging on to www.VolunteerWay.org or calling 1-800-815-5465.
- To receive credit for the 2002-2003 school year, forms verifying completed service hours must be submitted to the State Office of Volunteerism by April 15, 2003. Forms received after April 15 will be applied to the 2003-2004 school year.
For more information and to obtain service hour verification forms, please contact Jonyelle Smith, Delaware State Office of Volunteerism, at 1-800-815-5465, or visit http://www.state.de.us/dhss/dssc/volopps.html. Go directly to the service hour verification form at http://www.state.de.us/dhss/dssc/files/creditverform.pdf.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
