What doesn’t count?
- Any work that is paid
- Activity where there is no adult supervisor present to verify hours
- Working without pay for a for-profit organization
- Helping with your family’s store or restaurant, even if it’s unpaid
- Working with/for members or your family unit
- Work with animals (Humane Society)
- Tutoring friends
How do I check how many hours I currently have on record?
Visit TrackItForward.com > “Log Hours” and you will see your hours on the right side of the page.
How do I login to TrackItForward?
Your login is your student gmail address and your password is your first initial and last name.
Email Ms. King or Mr. Cashio if you need to have your password re-set.
When are service hours due?
Service hours are due by September 1st of sophomore, junior, and senior year.
The first set of hours (15 hours) can be completed during or after Freshmen year, and are due no later than September 1st of their Sophomore year. The second set of hours (30 additional hours, 45 total) must be completed and approved by September 1st of their Junior year. The thirst set of hours (30 additional hours as the completion of 75 total hours) must be completed and approved by September 1st of their senior year.
Fulfilling the minimum number of service hours each year is required to graduate from John Carroll Catholic High School.
Why do my hours have to be with a disadvantaged community? Why can’t I work with my Grandma?
Service to your family does not count because it is a part of your duty as a member of that family. The purpose of our program is to connect with a disadvantaged population in your community outside of your family unit and preferably outside of your comfort zone.
Why can’t I work at the Humane Society?
Our service program is specifically geared towards serving our brothers and sisters in need as the Gospel calls us to do so. If animals are your passion, find a nonprofit that uses animals to help people! If you love your grandma that much, show love to others’ grandparents whose families aren’t as compassionate by serving at your local nursing home!
Why can't I volunteer with USFL, Bham Legion, or the World Games?
Volunteering for professional sports teams does not meet our requirements for service because spectators pay to attend those events, and the leagues are for-profit organizations. Our program aims to serve an underprivileged community without expecting anything in return.
Does volunteering at a sports camp count?
Serving with sports camps that have a specific mission to serve under resourced populations, (for example, American Baseball Foundation) certainly count. Serving with a John Carroll Camp here on campus falls into the school service category and can earn hours at a 2 to 1 rate. (for example, working 10 hours at a JC summer sports camp earns 5 hours.) Why? Service to your school or team can be considered fulfilling your duty as a member of that team/program, but we also recognize that students are taking time out of their day to better the community and want to encourage making sacrifices for the greater good.
What if I go on a mission trip with my church?
Mission trips both local and abroad are a great experience and we want to encourage students to take advantage of the opportunity. Hours are decided on a case-by-case basis by the service coordinator, but we will usually give you credit for the hours that you were actively doing service on the trip, excluding travel days or sleep hours.
When should I start doing my service hours?
You can begin completing your hours as early as the summer after 8th grade! Most students complete their hours during the summer months, but hours can be done throughout the school year.
How do I get started?
Start with things that spark your interest or that are local to you! You can begin with contacting one of the organizations above, or you can look for non-profits in your community whose missions align with your interests!
- Pray!
- Determine which disadvantaged population you may want to serve.
- Ask yourself, where does this disadvantaged population go get assistance?
- Look at your transportation needs. Will you be able to get to the agency when you are needed?
- Reflect on your personal gifts and talents.
- Consider your future goals. It may possible to volunteer for an agency that would benefit from your future career choice
