Service Learning

Connecting Classrooms With the Community

Service learning is a teaching method designed to involve students in authentic and meaningful service to their communities.

Service learning makes connections between the classroom and the community and provides structured time for students to reflect on their service experiences. It is intended to instill a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging students to assess their impact on the community as active contributors to society. Service Learning is a Work-Based Learning experience as it provides students with Career Exploration opportunities and supports students with developing career interests.

FCPS is documenting the successful completion of service learning projects for students in grades 6, 8, and 12.

  • Grade 6: 5 hours
  • Grades 7 and 8: 15 hours
  • Grades 9–12:
    • Students should complete 10 service hours per year for a total of 40 hours.
    • Students who complete 40 or more hours while in high school qualify to wear an FCPS Service Learning Cord at their graduation
    • Students may choose to complete 50 or more hours to qualify for the Virginia Board of Education diploma seal for excellence in civics education or the excellence in science and the environment. See Virginia Department of Education for criteria.

Elements of Service Learning

Authentic

  • Meets a real community need.
  • Through investigation, students identify a relevant need in the community and community partners.
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Intentional

  • Thoughtful and well-planned learning experiences.
  • Students research and make a detailed plan.
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Connects with Curriculum

  • Brings classroom learning to life.
  • Service is connected to the curriculum and helps to foster global and ethical citizenship.
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Reflective

  • Supports global and ethical citizenship.
  • Students reflect throughout the process of service learning.
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Impactful

  • Makes a positive impact in the community.
  • Students provide evidence that, through action, they contribute to solutions that benefit the community.
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Applicable

  • Aligns with interests and career goals.
  • Students demonstrate how they will use what they have learned in the community and the impact on their career goals and interests.
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X2Vol

x2VOL is the tool that FCPS middle and high schools use to support students with finding, tracking, and verifying service hours electronically. x2VOL helps Non-Profits connect with volunteers

Students: Login to x2VOL through Naviance Student

Nonprofits: Register with x2VOL

Local Volunteer Resources

Fairfax County Government Agencies

Fairfax County online volunteer system
Find and Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Fairfax

Youth & Family Volunteering Opportunities in Fairfax County
Learn More about the Youth & Family Volunteering Opportunities in Fairfax County

Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.