The rule in one paragraph
Every CPS graduate completes two civic-oriented service-learning projects: one in Civics or AP U.S. Government, and one with any other course, preferably in 9th or 10th grade. Service hours stopped being a graduation requirement with the class of 2020, so the old 40-hour rule no longer applies. Some CPS school pages still mention a different number of projects; your counselor has the final word.
What counts and what does not
- Counts: the two service-learning projects your teachers run through your courses.
- Does not count: outside volunteer hours, for the graduation requirement itself (they still go on your transcript, below).
How to record your hours
Outside volunteering and leadership still count for something: CPS records them on your transcript in the Awards and Honors section. Give your school counselor the hours form, written verification from an adult supervisor who is not a relative, and a written reflection. After the counselor checks them, the hours are logged in Aspen under Awards.
A simple pace
There is no hour target for graduation, but scholarships, honor societies and college applications all ask what you did. Log as you go, and get the supervisor's note and your reflection while the experience is fresh, so you can turn them in to your counselor.
Keep your own record, free
Your school's system is the official record; keep your own copy too, with the date, the hours and who supervised you. Print the free volunteer hours log, work out your weekly pace with the volunteer hours calculator, or keep it in My Award Tracker for scholarships, honor societies and college applications.
Other states and districts: see community service hours to graduate, every state.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chicago Public Schools students need 40 volunteer hours to graduate?
No. Since the class of 2020, CPS students complete two service-learning projects through their courses instead of a set number of hours.
Which classes include the CPS service-learning projects?
One project is in Civics or AP U.S. Government. The other can be with any other course, preferably in 9th or 10th grade.
Do outside volunteer hours count at CPS?
Not toward the graduation requirement, but CPS records verified outside volunteering and leadership on your transcript in the Awards and Honors section.
How do I get volunteer hours on my CPS transcript?
Give your school counselor the hours form, written verification from an adult supervisor who is not a relative, and a written reflection. After verification, the hours are logged in Aspen under Awards.