Silver Cord Program
Student Service and Leadership
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
The purpose of the Silver Cord Program is to instill within the students the importance of community service and encourage students to be accountable for investing in their own education and in the community on a regular basis during their school years.
Students: Fill out your form here!
When can I Start
Now!
All high school students are eligible to earn 160 silver cord hours between the start of their freshman year and April 30 of their senior year by completing 40 hours per year.
Students volunteering 160 hours by April 30 of their senior year will have the distinct honor of wearing a silver cord during their graduation ceremony.
As this program begins, the graduating class of 2027 will need to complete 80 hours and the graduating class of 2028 will need to complete 120 hours.
How to get Started
Volunteer!
Step one: Find a ministry or activity that interests you.
Step two: Volunteer!
Step three: Complete the JCA Silver Cord Award form (one form per activity), answer the questions and collect all signatures.
Step four: Keep track of your hours on the hour tracking form.
Step five: Return the completed forms to the office.
*Joshua Christian Academy Silver Cord does not use a pre-approval form.
Recognition
Each year the silver cord program recognizes students that have reached the 40, 80 and 120 hours milestones with a corresponding certificate signed by the Director of Students.
160 hours = Seniors are recognized at graduation and given a letter signed by the Head of Schools and the Director. Students receive the silver cord and have the distinct honor of wearing it over their graduation gown during the ceremony. Students keep their silver cord to remember the people they have served and the experiences gained as a silver cord participant.
Additional Facts to Know
Summer Service
Students may print the silver cord award form year-round by visiting the JCA website. Summer service hours are due September 30.
Transfer Students
Transfer students may still earn a silver cord at graduation. Total hour requirements will be prorated based on the date of enrollment.
How can I find silver cord opportunities?
Students may complete silver cord hours for any church, Christian organization or nonprofit parentheses 501(c)(3) organization and at Joshua Christian Academy. Read below for examples of acceptable vs non-acceptable opportunities.
Silver Cord Coordinator
Becky Langholz
Becky.Langholz@jcadm.org
Acceptable vs Non-acceptable Activities
Volunteer service hours must meet a clear need and be performed through a non-profit (501c3) agency or affiliated organization. Exceptions are made for nursing homes and some daycare center opportunities. If you believe there is cause to request an additional exception, the Silver Cord Coordinator must approve the activity in advance.
Examples of Non-Acceptable Service Activities:
Include but are not limited to:
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Participation in self-improvement workshops, clinics.
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Babysitting, or yard work.
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Service which is part of an academic, court ordered, or discipline requirement.
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Service that takes place during a student’s academic classes, but may occur in study hall.
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Travel, meals and breaks should not be included as service hours.
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If the student, or community organization the student belongs to, receives financial or other compensation. This includes but is not limited to revenue from direct sales, fundraisers or donations.
Volunteering for a JCA Campus
Volunteering for JCA is allowed and includes any of the three campuses. Please keep in mind:
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Students are not required to volunteer for JCA.
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Students may choose to earn up to half of their silver cord hours volunteering for a JCA organization as long as the work is above and beyond what is expected.
Church Service
Silver Cord hours are not for attending regular church services or ceremonies, but can count for participation or volunteering in services. Examples of valid activities include but are not limited to; rehearsals for and singing in the choir, reading scripture, leading worship, mission trips, teaching or assisting with Sunday school, vacation Bible school, babysitting during religious services, special projects such as recording services.
If the volunteer activity occurs during a church service, only record the portion of the service that was the volunteer activity.
Example: Singing in a choir or leading worship. Practice time might be an hour and time in the service might be 15 minutes. Total=1 hour and 15 min.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Joshua Christian Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin. Subject to the United States Constitution, and all applicable state and federal laws, JCA does not discriminate in its employment or admissions practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the school’s Equity Coordinator, Joseph Jackson, Head of School, 1740 Garfield Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, 515-265-0603, jjackson@jcadm.org. JCA reserves the right to institute hiring and enrollment practices based on the school’s mission statement and philosophies.
