At North High School, Graduation Requires Volunteer Hours

Earning a diploma at North High School requires more than academic success — students must also give back to their community. While the requirement may seem modest, 20 hours total, it leaves a lasting impact on students and the communities they serve. 

“We want students to get outside their little bubble of just school and home,” said Kathleen Hoffman, a counselor at North High School. “We want them to be of service to others.” 

Hoffman, who has worked at North since the 2010-11 school year, said the requirement is designed to do more than check a graduation box.

“It builds courage, it builds leadership and it gives them something they can add to a resume or a college application,” Hoffman said.

North High School is not the only school that requires community service for graduation. Other Denver schools, including Northfield High School, Kent Denver School and Mullen High School, also require volunteer hours. While the number of required hours varies, the shared goal emphasizes the value of civic engagement.

For North High senior Joshua Carroll, the impact is personal. “I really like it,” Carroll said. “I like the idea of giving back to the community and having that be something that’s required for all students to do.” 

Carroll had already exceeded the requirement, but he didn’t stop there. Concerned about school safety, he started a chapter of Students Demand Action, a student-led organization dedicated to preventing gun violence. Carroll has organized events at North, visited the state Capitol and met local leaders through the group, all while fulfilling his service hours.

“It’s made me a better person,” he said. “It’s helped me think about how my actions impact others and made me more of a global citizen. 

Students fulfill their service hours in a variety of ways, from volunteering at local elementary schools to helping neighbors or assisting with school events.

“We’re not really specific about where they complete their service,” Hoffman said. “It can be anything from helping a retirement home to helping a neighbor rake leaves.” 

For many students, the experience creates a stronger sense of connection. “They’re part of something bigger than themselves,” Hoffman said. “That is absolutely priceless.”

Carroll said one of the biggest benefits is the relationships students build along the way.

“I met with the state representative who represents the north side and the north district,” Carroll said. “I’ve been able to get in contact with her, and she’s been somebody who’s really supportive.”

Still, both Carroll and Hoffman acknowledge that the requirement can present challenges.

“Community service is a time commitment,” Carroll said. “For some students, it’s more of a challenge.” 

Students balancing jobs, transportation issues or academic demands may find it harder to complete the hours. Hoffman said that while some students are initially hesitant, most ultimately find value in the experience.

“I’ve never had a student say they regret it,” Hoffman said. In some cases, students go far beyond the minimum requirement, logging hundreds of hours to strengthen college and scholarship applications.

“Scholarships want to see that you’re involved outside of school,” Hoffman said. “It sets students apart.” 

Carroll believes the requirement could be even more effective if it were spread out over all four years of high school.

“A lot of students rack up hours at the end,” he said. It would be better if it were more consistent.”

Despite the challenges, both agree the requirement is worth keeping.

“There’s so much going on in the world right now,” Carroll said. “It’s important to build students who know how to take care of others.” 

Volunteer hours at North High School may be required, but the lessons students learn will last far beyond graduation.

“It’s part of their growth process,” Hoffman said. “To look up from their phones, work with people you may never have thought of working with, and give back to your community that helped raise you.”