x2VOL Blog: Tracking Service Hours at your School

As Spring Break approaches, now is a great time for students to start brainstorming how to fulfill their volunteer hours during the break. This is a perfect opportunity for students to use the time off from school to engage with their communities.

Today's high school students are the future of our workforce. Before long they will be in college or starting full-time jobs of their own. But how are today's students preparing for their futures? What will the workforce look like when these students move on to the next stage of their lives?

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be a difficult time for a lot of people. This time of year offers a lot of opportunities for students to get involved and serve people in their communities. 

Service should continue throughout the year, but the holidays are also a great time for students to step out of their traditions and daily habits to benefit someone else. 

Student service is on the rise. Student service programs in schools are returning to “pre-pandemic” status while students need re-education on the significance of service.

Work-based learning, internships, Co-Ops, and other work-based school programs are becoming extremely popular optional programs for students to take advantage of. Along with participating in community service, being in a work-based learning or internship program is an excellent learning opportunity and provides diverse opportunities outside of the classroom that improve student outcomes.

There has been a significant loss of learning and development due to the pandemic. However, as the world emerges from the pandemic and students are able to return to a more typical education experience, there is a great opportunity for educators to help motivate students and re-engage students in service. 

As students heal from the impact of the pandemic and get settled in their new normal, it can be a challenge for them to feel the motivation to participate in extracurriculars and service. 

Allen High School, one of the largest high schools in the state of Texas is establishing a strong culture of service on their campus. In the fall of 2021, as a way to re-engage students in service after the pandemic, Allen High School hosted their first Eagle Give Day, a day of service on their school's campus. They hosted their second Eagle Give Day in March of 2022 and we sat down with them to hear how it went, what they learned, and the impact on the students. Their event was an incredible success as students had increased leadership opportunities and the opportunity to learn about service activities right in their own backyard. Hear more in our on-demand webinar above.

There’s no doubt that the past two years have taken a toll on students.

There has been a significant loss of learning, development, and personal growth. Students have experienced isolation from a myriad of social situations. Many students even began high school during the pandemic and didn't return to campus well into their high school careers.

Allen High School located in Allen, Texas, strives to engage its students in meaningful service. In fact, one of the pillars of their graduation profile is to be an engaged citizen. School leaders had the desire to engage their student body in service, but with a student enrollment of over 5,400 students, this seemed like a daunting task. However, by working with other school organizations and connecting with local nonprofit organizations, administrators and students worked together to establish Eagle Give Day - Allen High School's day of service. The program's resounding success resulted in increased student engagement and awareness of local nonprofits and needs.

While students are busy serving in their communities all year long, the holidays months are a great opportunity for students to give of their time and effort to benefit others.