Written by Jordan Galerkin 
Sync rosters, verify hours, and streamline volunteer tracking with Track it Forward's new Blackboard LMS integration.
Managing non-academic requirements like community service shouldn't be a manual nightmare. If your school uses Blackboard LMS to organize academic content and promote student engagement, you can now extend that streamlined experience to service hours tracking. With the new Track it Forward + Blackboard LMS integration, schools gain a powerful, centralized solution to manage service learning hours more efficiently than ever before.
Why Schools Need a Better Way to Track Service Hours
Blackboard LMS supports coursework and communication, but it doesn't necessarily offer a built-in way to manage volunteer requirements. Many schools still rely on paper forms, spreadsheets, and email chains to track hours—leading to inconsistencies, lost data, and compliance headaches.
That’s where Track it Forward comes in. This new integration gives schools the ability to:
- Sync student rosters from Blackboard to Track it Forward
- Set service hour milestones by graduation year, program, or club
- Empower students to log hours from their phones or computers
- Collect verifications via signatures, GPS, photos, or supervisor emails
- Export reports for graduation compliance, audits, or board reviews
Key Features for K-12 Schools Using Blackboard LMS
✔ Student Roster Sync
Pull student data directly from Blackboard LMS, eliminating manual entry and reducing errors. Easily archive graduated or withdrawn students and sync new enrollees with the push of a button.
✔ Multiple Administrators
Designate multiple administrators with role-based access and permissions, from hours approvers to event calendar managers. Track it Forward roles allow for easy delegation and admin management.
✔ Efficient Communications
Send mass email or text reminders to students about upcoming events. Send custom communications to select students who may be falling behind on requirements
✔ Real-Time Progress Tracking
Students and administrators can view real-time dashboards showing progress toward hours requirements or goals (milestones).
✔ FERPA-Compliant and Secure
Track it Forward is built with U.S.-based hosting, encrypted data, and role-based access to ensure student information stays secure.
Empower Students, Reduce Admin Stress
The Blackboard LMS integration is perfect for schools that want to foster student accountability and simplify administrative oversight. Students can log hours in multiple ways, including mobile app, laptop, or a designated check-in kiosk. Create recurring events or shifts that students can sign up for, or create a custom Community Service Directory to help match students with approved volunteer opportunities. Most importantly, students can verify their hours and view progress at any time on their Track it Forward Dashboard. Meanwhile, administrators gain peace of mind with secure rostering, custom reports, and transparent records.
Popular Use Cases for the Track it Forward - Blackboard Integration
- Tracking service hour requirements for graduation
- Managing service hours for National Honor Society, Key Club, or other service clubs
- Monitoring off-campus service projects with digital verifications
"Track it Forward has streamlined our efforts to keep up with the community service requirements of our club. It is a wonderful tool." —Linda at EJCHS Beta Club
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do schools track student volunteer hours in Blackboard LMS?
Blackboard LMS doesn’t include service hour tracking by default. By integrating with Track it Forward, schools can sync rosters and manage hours submissions, approvals, and reporting all in one place.
Can students log their service hours from their phones?
Yes. Track it Forward offers a student-friendly mobile app that allows students to log hours, upload verifications, check milestones, and stay on top of deadlines on the go.
What types of verifications does Track it Forward support?
Schools can enable multiple verification types including supervisor e-signatures, GPS location, photo uploads, or email confirmations to ensure every hour is valid.
Is this integration compliant with student data privacy regulations?
Absolutely. Administrators can set custom milestones for each grade, program, or cohort, and automatically assign them to synced student accounts.
Is Track it Forward FERPA-compliant?
Absolutely. Track it Forward uses encrypted, U.S.-based servers and supports FERPA-compliance.
Can I set different hour requirements for different grades or programs?
Yes. Administrators can customize milestones by grade level, academic program, or student group and automatically assign them to the appropriate students.
How long does the integration setup take?
Once permissions are enabled by your IT team, the Blackboard LMS integration can be configured in just a few minutes. Our onboarding team is available to assist every step of the way.
Does this help with graduation compliance tracking?
Definitely. Track it Forward lets you generate reports showing who has met their hour requirements, who is falling behind, and what’s needed for end-of-year audits.
How do I get started with Track it Forward and Blackboard LMS?
If you’re ready to simplify volunteer hour management, our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through the setup process and show you how to fully leverage this integration.
It's Time to Streamline Service Hour Tracking
With the Track it Forward + Blackboard LMS integration, your school can ditch the paper logs and tedious spreadsheets by switching to a modern, verifiable, and student-friendly solution. Contact us today to learn more!