The rule in one paragraph
Maryland requires every public high school student to complete at least 75 hours of student service learning to earn a diploma (COMAR 13A.03.02). Each of Maryland's school systems runs the requirement through its own state-approved plan: some hours may be built into middle and high school courses, and the rest you earn on your own with approved organizations. Service must be unpaid and must meet a real community need.
The Seven Best Practices
Maryland counts service that follows these practices:
- Meet a recognized need in the community
- Achieve curricular objectives through service-learning
- Reflect throughout the experience
- Develop student responsibility
- Establish community partnerships
- Plan ahead for service-learning
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for service
In practice: learn about the need first, do the service, then write or talk about what you learned. Many school systems ask for a short reflection on the SSL form.
Your school system decides the details
- When you can start: some systems count hours from middle school; Montgomery County counts them from the summer after 5th grade.
- Where you can serve: usually nonprofits, schools and government agencies on an approved list.
- How you submit: a signed SSL form for each activity, turned in to your SSL coordinator by your school's due date.
Check your school system's SSL page, and get an activity approved before you start if you are not sure.
A simple pace
75 hours over four years of high school is about 19 hours a year, or one 5-hour event each quarter. If your middle school courses already gave you hours, you may need fewer.
Free printable SSL log
Download the Maryland student service learning hours log (PDF). It has room for 16 entries with the need you met, supervisor signatures, a page total and student and parent signature lines. Use it as your own record alongside your school system's form.
Or track the 75 hours online, free
In My Award Tracker, pick the Maryland student service learning goal and log as you go, with a reflection for each activity. You see the hours left and the weekly pace you need, supervisors confirm your hours by email, and you keep your record even if you change schools.
Frequently asked questions
How many service hours do Maryland students need to graduate?
Every Maryland public high school student needs at least 75 hours of student service learning (SSL) to earn a diploma, under COMAR 13A.03.02.
When can I start earning SSL hours?
It depends on your school system. Many build some hours into middle school courses, and some let students start early: Montgomery County, for example, counts hours from the summer after 5th grade. Check your school system’s SSL page.
What counts as student service learning?
Unpaid service that meets a real community need, with preparation and reflection, following Maryland’s Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning. Each school system approves organizations and activities, so ask your SSL coordinator before you start.
Do private school or homeschool students need SSL hours?
No. The requirement is for the Maryland public high school diploma. Charter school students do need the hours; home instruction and private school students do not.
What if I move to Maryland in high school?
Ask your new school system how it counts hours for students who transfer in. Bring your own log of past service with dates and supervisor contacts so your counselor can review it.