Community Service provides an opportunity for students to acquire life skills, develop leadership skills, and explore career choices. Beginning in 1990, the Bethlehem Area School District instituted a revised curriculum that included approved community service for all students.

The community service program of the Bethlehem Area School District has experienced tremendous growth in the years since its inception. We now have over 200 approved community agencies and organizations, all listed in the Directory of Participating Organizations and Agencies, in which our students can complete their graduation requirement of 60 hours over the high school years. Students have many choices. They can volunteer with senior citizens, in our schools, or with youth athletics, to name a few.

Students receive one half (.5) academic credit upon completion of the required hours. An additional .5 credit is awarded to students completing 120 hours. Students are encouraged to report all service hours. The hours will appear on the permanent records and may be considered for awards and honors. A special recognition, a silver cord, is presented to graduates with 135 hours for their distinguished service. More and more colleges are recognizing community service activities. Some offer scholarship opportunities for service.

We hope that the search procedure available on the web site will help you locate an organization which is a good match according to your interests, skills, and goals.