At the core of Albuquerque Academy’s mission is a belief in the fundamental importance of authentic learning and the need to help students use their knowledge to serve and contribute to the community and the world. The Community and Global Citizenship program at Albuquerque Academy provides a springboard for action, as students are required to integrate community service into their educational journeys.
As students progress through the school, they are required to take a leadership role in matching community needs with their own interests and passions. Ideally, this groundwork will help them take initiative and empower them to become service leaders.
For more information, contact Community and Global Citizenship Director Dara Johnson.
Community Service Requirements
In the 6-7 division teachers identify community needs and educational goals and establish meaningful service learning activities for students. Activities have included: a peer-mentoring program with a local elementary school, a partnership with a local homeless shelter, a project supporting the Albuquerque Zoo, and environmental initiatives on campus. These required experiences will be scheduled throughout the year during the school day as class activities.
Our goal in the 8-9 division is for students to have a positive, engaging, and productive volunteer experience with a local community partner and to learn about the role service plays in our community. All 8th grade students must participate in two all-class service initiatives: an off-campus service project in the fall, and in the spring, a unique simulation experience, designed to help students break through stereotypes, build empathy and understanding, and learn through experience about the challenges many people face in our community. All 9th graders are required to participate in one off-campus service project facilitated by the Community and Global Citizenship faculty and scheduled throughout the year during the end of the school day.
By 10th grade, students are capable of taking full ownership of the shape and direction of their community service by considering how to best harnesses their own skills and passions to support local, national, or international needs. All students must complete a “Commitment to Service” project as a graduation requirement. Students can take a leadership role and initiate their own project, team up with others to address a community need, form a long-term partnership with an existing organization, or continue a regular commitment to an organization. The project requirement contains specific components and deadlines, but is flexible to allow students to pursue their own interests. Details on the project requirements are introduced to 10th grade students in the fall. Students can work independently or in small groups, but they must complete their Commitment to Service project, including all volunteer hours and related assignments, by the fall of their junior year.
On-Campus Service Requirements
In order to educate our students about the school’s need and the importance of giving back to our Academy community, all students in grades 8-12 are required to complete one shift of on-campus service each school year. All eighth graders will serve their shift in the DOT Garden during a study hall, but older students can choose their shift from many options supporting our community events, athletics, grounds and gardens, facilities, teachers, and staff. Any student in grades 8-12 who chooses to volunteer more than their one required shift is encouraged to log their hours for Community Service Honor Society and Lettering recognition.
On-Campus Service includes:
- DOT Garden (8th graders must complete their shift here)
- Supporting Admissions events and activities (e.g., Open House, buddy shifts, etc.)
- Concessions shifts
- Supporting teachers and staff with projects pre-approved by class deans
- Assisting at Charger athletic events
- Academic exchange hosts (home hosts do not receive on-campus service credit)
- Dances and other class/division event set-up and clean-up (class officers do not receive service credit for this)
- Other campus event assistance (e.g., Community Day, lost and found, etc.).
- Academy gardens/DOT Garden
- Building cleaning/painting/maintenance
- Clean-up of campus mesa
- Bear Canyon service projects
In order to receive credit, students must complete the On-Campus Service Form, have it signed by an adult supervisor at the activity, and turn it in within one week of their date of service. No exceptions.
If you have questions about the On-Campus Service requirement, please contact:
- 8-9 Division: Marnie Bethel
- 10-12 Division: David Kim
The On-Campus Service requirement must be completed by:
- 8th, 9th, and 10th graders: April 30
- 11th graders: signed up by April 8, completed by graduation.
- 12th graders: Friday before Senior Projects begin.
Sign Up for On-Campus Service Shifts:
Print and bring an On-Campus Service Form to your shift.
Optional Community Service
Students are encouraged to expand their service beyond the hourly requirements. In order to receive recognition, students need to log their additional hours of service in the “Honor Society and Lettering” section on the Community Service Canvas page.
Recognition will be given as follows:
- Students in the 8-9 Division who complete a total of 20 additional hours of service in a school year will be recognized in the Community Service 8-9 Honor Society.
- Students in the 10-12 Division who complete a total of 40 additional hours of service in a school year will be recognized in the Community Service 10- 12 Honor Society.
- Students in either 8-9 or 10-12 Division who complete 150 hours of documented service over the course of these years will receive a letter in Community Service.
Each division offers a Community Service club where students who are interested in service can connect with others to work on service projects, learn about local non-profit organizations, and lend a helping hand to others.
Community Builders is a tuition-free summer program for rising 10th- to 12th-grade students from Albuquerque Academy and other area schools that gives students an opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of community philanthropy and nonprofit organizations. Learn more.
This group of select 10th- to 12th-grade students provide leadership and guidance for the school’s Community Service program. Members lead community initiatives and service projects and serve as service mentors to peers. The Board engages students who care deeply about giving back to their community and desire opportunities to encourage their peers in volunteer work while developing their own leadership skills.
