Service learning is a way for DATA students to engage with their communities and provide a service to others. Whether it’s small individual opportunities or part of a larger group effort, students learn the importance of giving back. We are excited about this experience and believe it will streamline everything for students, families, and DATA. Service learning hours are easily able to be tracked and known what has or has not been logged by all parties.

Expectations

DATA students begin their service learning experience in middle school. The expectation is that by the end of their 6th grade year, students will have completed a minimum of 5 hours. By the end of their 7th grade year, a total of 10 hours and in their 8th grade year, a total of 15 hours. At the end of each school year, students who have gone above and beyond the minimum requirements are recognized for their commitment to service.

All graduates must have at least 100 hours of service learning to be recognized as a graduate of DATA. It is recommended that students work on earning at least 25 hours each year of high school. Students are responsible for logging their hours into the student portal in the Skyward system under the Volunteer Tile. Learn how to log service learning hours in Skyward by reading the How to Guide.

What is Eligible for Service Hours?

Any work or service for which a student is not paid and which is not a typical household chore is eligible. Students may earn hours working at various DATA recruiting events, campus events, and community events. Additionally, we strongly encourage students to look beyond our program and campus for opportunities that serve the San Antonio community.

• Summer service hours count for the current school year and should be logged into Skyward.
• Students cannot double-dip with their service hours. If they are involved in other service-oriented organizations that require service hours, those hours cannot also be used for DATA service hours.
• Service hours earned on and after May 1 may be used towards the next school year’s service hours.

Middle School