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More hours added to the requirement?!

On April 1, 2023, the Howard County Board Of Education announced plans of updating service hour requirements for all HCPSS students. Instead of the original 75 hours, it could potentially increase to 90-100 hours of service. The BOE said that Howard County students are not as involved in the community as in other counties, and they believe that this will be a step in the right direction for improving the school system.

If the plan gets approved, it will take effect in the 2023-2024 school year. This means that all students, including the ones that already have 75 hours, must complete an additional 15-25 hours of community service to fulfill the new requirement. On top of that, in-class opportunities to earn service hours at Howard County middle schools will cease, which means that students will have to seek volunteer opportunities on their own.

Although the plan is not in effect, it could potentially stir some trouble. “It was so abrupt, I honestly thought it was an April Fool’s prank!” said an anonymous sophomore. Many others have also expressed their issues with the plan. The BOE has already prepared for the backlash, saying that it is a great way for students to improve their academic portfolio for colleges and careers.

Only time will tell whether or not the update on service hours will get the go-ahead. But for now, it is a waiting game.