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

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

Local Volunteer Resources

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.