Silver Cord Program

DSHS Silver Cord Program

SILVER CORD PROGRAM

The Dubuque Senior High School Silver Cord Program is a service-learning opportunity for students to volunteer at with nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations within our community. A form must be completed online to enter the program; all forms are found on our page on the Dubuque Senior website or by QR code on the Silver Cord bulletin board. By earning enough hours of volunteer work, you will be recognized at graduation as a Silver Cord recipient and will wear a Silver Cord upon your gown. We are in the process of making changes, by the 27/28 school year, all classes will have the same requirements.

Hour Totals: Each participant must have a minimum number of hours met by May 15th of their senior year. See below:

Class of 2025 – 100 hours
Class of 2026 – 110 hours (at least 10 hours earned during junior year)
Class of 2027 – 115 hours (at least 10 hours earned during sophomore, junior, and senior year)
Class of 2028 – 125 hours (at least 10 hours earned during sophomore, junior, and senior year – no freshman year requirement)
The Silver Cord calendar year runs from June 1st to May 31st (May 15th for seniors).

Hour Details

Hours are credited in 30-minute intervals, with a limit of eight hours per day.
All hours must be completed outside of the school day unless prior approval is received, such as New Student Orientation.
Students have 30 days from date of service to record hours.
To be eligible with the Silver Cord program, hours must be for a non-profit or not-for-profit organization/agency.

A Silver Cord Student Service Board consists of students from all grade-levels to communicate service-learning opportunities, as well as to network with organizations within our community.

Students should follow the Silver Cord Program on Instagram (dshs_silvercord) and/or join the Remind (text @dshssilver to 81010) for important Silver Cord information and volunteer opportunities.

For questions regarding Dubuque Senior Silver Cord, please contact Ms. Giesemann (B233) or Ms. Norton (in the Business Office)