Work Permits
Minors aged 14 and up are able to seek employment in Vermont without a work permit. The only time a permit is necessary is if the minor is seeking to work during school hours and is under the age of 16. For more information on obtaining a work permit at the age of 14 or 15 to work during school hours, contact the State of Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, at 802-951-4083. Link to form.
Community Service
Burlington High School’s Community Service requirement challenges students to expand their definition of “community” to involve a larger portion of their world than just their school or their family. Community Service is defined as unpaid work which is meaningful and done toward the benefit of others without expectation of repayment whether monetary or otherwise. Additionally, it helps students realize that their contribution can make a difference, while also fostering a habit of service. Through Community Service, students also have the opportunity to pursue their interests, meet potential mentors, and develop skills and contacts that will help them well into the future. Students will be informed of both school and community related opportunities as the year progresses.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service during their enrollment at Burlington High School in order to graduate. Please use the BHS Community Service Program form for all hours. Please note that the form is invalid without a supervisor’s signature.
Service must be for a nonprofit organization only. Credit will not be awarded for the following
- Volunteering at a business
- Participation in church services (ex: alter boy or girl, church choir)
- Caring for pets (unless this is done through an approved nonprofit organization such as the Humane Society
- Babysitting
- Helping relatives (this is considered a family obligation)
- Volunteering outside of school during school hours
We encourage students to work towards their Community Service requirements during the summer or over vacations and holidays. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD. The entire requirement could be completed in a condensed period of time or over multiple dates. For instance, students going on a service trip or volunteering for an organized event, like a cancer walk, might fulfill most of their annual hours during the same trip or event.
Students represent Burlington High School when volunteering in the community. Students are responsible for appropriate behavior at the service site. The nonprofit organization is responsible for denying or revoking credit for inappropriate behavior or actions.
