PRINTER'S NO. 984
No. 791 Session of 2005
INTRODUCED BY D. WHITE, JUNE 22, 2005
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, JUNE 22, 2005
AN ACT
1 Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
2 act relating to the public school system, including certain
3 provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
4 schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
5 laws relating thereto," providing for community service
6 programs.
7 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
8 hereby enacts as follows:
9 Section 1. Section 1605 of the act of March 10, 1949
10 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is
11 amended by adding a subsection to read:
12 Section 1605. Courses of Study.--* * *
13 (c) During one or more of the last four years of any
14 complete high school program, there shall be offered as part of
15 the curriculum a community service program which includes
16 community service activities integrated with study and
17 reflection on the experiences gained through community service
18 activities. Volunteer activities performed by secondary school
19 students through a community service program shall be designed
1 to meet the needs of others in the community and to enhance the
2 student's personal growth, career exploration, understanding of
3 community and citizenship, social science skills and
4 communication skills. Completion of a minimum of twenty (20)
5 hours of community service is required for high school
6 graduation. The Secretary of Education shall, at the request of
7 the superintendent having supervision over any high school,
8 provide any technical assistance which may be necessary to aid a
9 district in the planning and implementation of its community
10 service program.
11 (1) The program shall provide that:
12 (i) A student may complete community service activities
13 during the evenings, on weekends or during the summer, but shall
14 not complete such activities during school hours.
15 (ii) A student may complete community service activities
16 with a nonprofit agency or organization, a public agency or
17 institution, a nonprofit or for-profit health care facility, or
18 any other community organization which the State Board of
19 Education deems appropriate.
20 (iii) A student shall not receive compensation for community
21 service or substitute employment for service activity.
22 (2) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and
23 regulations necessary for the implementation of this subsection.
24 Section 2. This act shall take effect in 180 days.
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