National Honor Society FAQs

NHS Definition of Service

Service represents the choice of stepping outside oneself to meet the needs of others, fueled by an unwavering passion for a cause, heartfelt empathy for others, or driven by personal circumstances. It’s about performing selfless acts that transcend the ordinary, engendering transformative changes that resonate through our schools, ripple across our communities, and reverberate on a global scale. In the noble act of service, we sculpt a better world with our hands, our hearts, and our humanity.

FAQs

Please review the NHS Service Hours FAQs for examples of acceptable/unacceptable service hours.

NHS Service Hour Requirements

60 total service hours are required to apply.
- Students may submit hours from activities completed from the summer of 8th grade through the time of the NHS application.
No more than 30 hours may come from one specific activity.
- See below about TA hours cap.
Hours must be direct service that benefits others.
Hours should be in the interest of bettering the community.
Meetings, training, and planning hours do NOT count.
Student Teaching Assistant (TA) hours are capped at 15 hours total.

What Counts as Service Hours?

Service hours should involve actively helping others or improving the community without payment or personal gain.

Examples of Acceptable Service

School & Community

Tutoring peers or younger students
Assisting at school events (set-up, clean-up, ushering, childcare)
Helping teachers with classroom organization outside of class requirements
Volunteering at community events or festivals

Community Support & Outreach

Volunteering at food pantries, shelters, or meal programs
Helping at senior centers or assisting elderly neighbors
Organizing or participating in donation drives (if you are actively sorting, packing, or distributing items)
Volunteering with local nonprofit organizations

Environmental Service

Park, trail, or neighborhood cleanups
Community gardening for food banks or public spaces
Tree planting or conservation projects

Service Through Leadership & Clubs

Organizing and leading service projects through student organizations
Providing direct service during club-sponsored volunteer events (that are not part of required club activities)

What Does NOT Count as Service Hours?

Activities That Do NOT Qualify

Not Direct Service

Attending meetings, planning sessions, or trainings
Practices or rehearsals for performances
Participating in sports or team events
Fundraising without direct service (ex: selling items or collecting money only)

Personal Benefit / Required Activities

Paid work or babysitting for pay
Household chores or helping family members
Court-ordered service hours
Assignments required for a class or grade
Participation in activities that primarily benefit you (college prep events, camps, etc.)

Passive Participation

Donating items without involvement in organizing or distribution
Simply attending an event without volunteering

Gray Areas (Check Before Counting)

Some activities may count only if direct service is provided:

Fundraisers - Count only if you actively provide a service (serving food, organizing logistics, assisting participants).
Coaching or Mentoring - Counts if volunteer-based and focused on helping others.
Religious Service - Counts when helping the broader community (meals, outreach), not attending services or youth group meetings

Key Reminder

Service is about making a meaningful impact on the community around you. Choose opportunities that reflect compassion, initiative, and a commitment to improving the world around you.

If you have questions about whether an activity qualifies, please check with NHS leadership before submitting the hours.

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