CECHS Service Learning

Service Learning is an essential part of the culture at CECHS. We believe that integrating meaningful community service with instruction and reflection enriches the learning experience and better prepares students for college, career, and life.  Service learning is intentionally designed and scaffolded each year to better develop these skills.

For example, freshmen begin serving in the familiar environment of elementary schools to gain confidence and learn about volunteer expectations. Sophomores and juniors continue service learning  by exploring opportunities throughout Caldwell County. Students develop an awareness of the many local service organizations and reflect on the impact being made in their own community. Seniors and fifth year students then begin making personal choices in order to individualize service opportunities, ensuring an ongoing commitment to serving others.

Our goal is for CECHS students to become civic-minded individuals who, even after graduation, continuously seek out ways to give back to their communities and the world. 

1. Service Learning Endorsement - 250+ hours of approved community service at a minimum of two locations within Caldwell County during the course of the student’s high school tenure. In  addition, a maximum of 50 hours total is eligible for service completed outside of Caldwell County.  Approved all day, multiple day trips are awarded 6 hours per day excluding travel days. 

Recognition: Pink Service Learning cord for graduation, recognition in the graduation program,  and recognition at Awards Day/College Decision Day 

2. Service Learning Certificate - 125+ hours of approved community service at a minimum of two locations within Caldwell County during the course of the student’s high school tenure. In addition, a maximum of 50 hours total is eligible for service completed outside of Caldwell County. Approved all day, multiple day trips are awarded 6 hours per day excluding travel days. 

Students will use x2VOL, the leading tracking and reporting platform for K-12 education, for prior  approval, documentation, and reflection. Students are responsible for providing and documenting  all hours and information. 

To provide equitable implementation, the service hours required for endorsement/certificate will be prorated for each respective graduating class.  Any service hours completed after June 1, 2022 are eligible to be counted towards the endorsement or certificate.

• Class of 2023 - 50 hours for endorsement, 25 hours for certificate
• Class of 2024 - 100 hours for endorsement, 50 hours for certificate
• Class of 2025 - 150 hours for endorsement, 75 hours for certificate
• Class of 2026 - 200 hours for endorsement, 100 hours for certificate

In accordance with the mission of CECHS, students will have the opportunity to complete Service  Learning within Caldwell County. Each student will be encouraged to follow their own passions and interests to make community service a meaningful, lifelong endeavor. Caldwell Early College High School would like to offer this recognition to students who choose to dedicate time within their high school career to make an impact within our community.