Service Hour Requirement for BHS Graduation

Requiring Bettendorf High School students to perform service hours has benefits. First, exposing kids to service opportunities will instill the value of selflessness and promote helping others. This will also give kids an understanding of how and where they can volunteer. The non-profit Botanic Gardens Conservation International, suggests the advantages of volunteering include "the opportunity to give back to society and feel useful, filing a gap in your personal life, and intellectual stimulation and growth" (Roland, Live Strong, 2019). If a student enjoys volunteering, they will be likely to perform more service after graduation. 


The opposing argument is that volunteering should be done voluntarily. In addition, volunteer work is a big time commitment. If a student is involved in sports, advanced classes, and has a job, they may be unable to make time for service. "It is important that any volunteer work doesn't interfere with school work, study time, or sleep" (Hagensen, The Classroom, 2019). Studies have shown that volunteering is linked to frustration. Many volunteers care a lot about the work they do and it can bothers them when society doesn't place enough value on it. For these reasons, service requirements should not be enforced. 


 In conclusion, I believe schools should not require students to participate in service programs outside of school. The costs of such programs are too great. Requiring a time commitment of this magnitude outside of school places restrictions on students' freedom. However, schools should encourage service by awarding students with class credit for community service hours. Instead of taking an elective at Bettendorf High School, students could volunteer at a local institution. This would promote the concept of giving back to the community and encourage students to engage in selfless pursuits.