Homeschool highschool volunteer work?

Question

I know in public highschools it's required to do some volunteer work. Do you need to do volunteer work when you're homeschooling in the highschool grades?

Answer 1

No.

I've never heard of anyone in public high school having to do any voluntary work unless they're studying for the IB diploma. And you can't do the IB as a homeschooler (although personally I reckon that's discriminatory and probably illegal but I can't be bothered to take them before a tribunal in order to find out)

As a home educated high schooler, I choose to do voluntary work at both our local hospital and the old folks' home but there is no compulsion on me to do any of that.

What you need and don't need to do as a homeschooler, in any grade, is strictly for you and your parents to decide between you. Some states have certain mandated subjects that you're supposed to study, certaint mandatory tests that you're supposed to sit as a homeschooler (and others, like our home state, don't) but I've never heard of anywhere that has mandated voluntary work for homeschoolers.

It's still a pretty good thing to do if you have the chance though. It's also the sort of thing that prospective employers, universities etc like to see on your CV.

Answer 2

There is no "requirement" to do community service or volunteer work when you are homeschooled.

I have never heard of this being required in public school either (and I taught in a secondary school for a while) - encouraged maybe but not required.

A college bound student - public, private or homeschooled - would be wise to includes some community service / volunteer work on their resume.

I think you will find that many homeschoolers do some volunteer work just as a part of their lives.

Answer 3

i dont think you have to but i like to, i am homeschooled.

Answer 4

Our public schools here in Maryland 'require' so many hours of community service.

However it is not 'required' for homeschool students.

But the University of Maryland gives some grant money to students (homeschooled or otherwise) if a student has an extensive record of volunteer work, ei: library, ESL tutoring, etc...

Our libraries and Red Cross allow homeschool students to do volunteer work and give certificates/letters to go with applications to universities.

My oldest son can't wait till he's old enough to work at the library.

Some community colleges have summer programs where high school students can volunteer to help in summer camps, etc..

Answer 5

i agree with blessed. we are REQUIRED to do "volunteer" work in many of my classes in college. blessed is right...ITS NOT VOLUNTEER!! its forced!

what i hate is that our professors will talk to people outside of the college...at whatever community center it is...and many there do not even have a high school education...if they get mad with you...that's your grade!!

(had to do a lot of "volunteer" work in anthropology and potical science)

Answer 6

Its not required by law, but it greatly increases your chances of acceptance at your first choice college, (in addition to your ACT or SAT scores, transcript, etc.)

Besides its a really nice thing to do, and most people report getting more out of it than they put into into it.  I know that is true for me.

P.S.  I find the whole notion of REQUIRING "volunteer" work to be a little silly.  If its REQUIRED, it seizes to be "volunteer", if you know what mean.

Answer 7

No requirement, but it is a good idea.  It makes you a more well rounded person and it is the kind thing to do.  Plus, I am assuming colleges will examine that closely.

Tutoring is an excellent service, especially if you live in an area with lots of non-native English speakers.  Another good idea is to start a recycling club for those plastic six pack holders.  Whenever you personally "start" a volunteer project that is even better.  It shows creativity and drive.

Answer 8

I do because we decided (together) that it would be a part of my educational program. I want to apply for scholarships that require a certain number of volunteer hours, (Bright Futures, for example) and it looks really good to have done some community service when applying for college.