The community service program has two major objectives: 1) to provide students with firsthand knowledge of some important social problems and to create in them a sense of responsibility for helping to solve those problems; and 2) to develop a sense of genuine cooperation and community spirit within the school.

Every Harvard-Westlake upper school student participates in at least one school-sponsored outreach project during each school year (September to June). School-sponsored outreach projects vary in focus and include volunteer work with social service agencies, environmental clean-up, after-school tutoring, and other outreach programs. These projects take place after school and on weekends throughout the school year and require at least a half-day commitment on the part of each participant. The upper school community service program is initiated, promoted, and directed entirely by student members of the upper school community council, a leadership organization comprised of students in grades 10–12.

Because the school’s community service program also serves to increase school spirit and pride, every upper school student—even those who contribute significantly to community outreach programs unaffiliated with the school—must complete at least one school-sponsored collaborative project each year.

(from the 2008-2009 Curriculum Guide)