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Community Involvement Hours

Community Involvement Can Happen:

In the community, by helping charities, service clubs and other not-for-profit organizations such as:

  • canvassing, walk-a-thons, celebrity games
  • coaching sports teams
  • organizing community events
  • participating in environmental projects, such as clean-ups, tree planting, recycling programs
  • assisting in a seniors' residence
  • participating on committees

In the school, by helping in non-credit extracurricular activities such as:

  • student government
  • organizing or assisting in school activities, such as orientation, sports, drama festivals, etc.
  • participating in school/community activities

Helping individuals in need, such as:

  • activities involving seniors, such as shovelling snow, hospital visits
  • activities with young people, such as tutoring, reading buddies

Virtually, such as:

  • working with organizations to help connect with seniors
  • organizing virtual fundraising events
  • facilitating discussions with newcomer youth

When trying to determine if Community Hours are eligible start by asking yourself the following questions:

  • " Is this activity displacing a paid worker?” – if the answer is yes, it is not eligible.

  • "How is my volunteerism benefiting the community as a whole or an individual in need?” If you cannot identify a community or person in need, it is not eligible.

If you are still unsure or need more information, please contact your school’s Guidance office.

The diploma requirement of 40 hours of community involvement is required for all graduating students.

Certificate of Recognition

If you go above and beyond in your volunteer work during high school, you can earn a Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement when you graduate. This new certificate celebrates your dedication to helping others and for completing more than 50 volunteer hours during high school.

Image of circular seal for the Ministry of Education in Ontario. The outer ring reads 'MINISTRY OF EDUCATION' at the top and 'MINISTÈRE DE L'ÉDUCATION' at the bottom. Inside, a shield with three maple leaves and a bear on top is flanked by two upright deer. A banner below the shield displays the Latin motto 'UT INCEPIT FIDELIS SIC PERMANET.' The word 'Ontario' appears at the bottom.

Bronze: 50 to 99 volunteer hours

Image of circular seal for the Ministry of Education in Ontario. The outer ring reads 'MINISTRY OF EDUCATION' at the top and 'MINISTÈRE DE L'ÉDUCATION' at the bottom. Inside, a shield with three maple leaves and a bear on top is flanked by two upright deer. A banner below the shield displays the Latin motto 'UT INCEPIT FIDELIS SIC PERMANET.' The word 'Ontario' appears at the bottom.

:100 to 199 volunteer hours

Image of circular seal for the Ministry of Education in Ontario. The outer ring reads 'MINISTRY OF EDUCATION' at the top and 'MINISTÈRE DE L'ÉDUCATION' at the bottom. Inside, a shield with three maple leaves and a bear on top is flanked by two upright deer. A banner below the shield displays the Latin motto 'UT INCEPIT FIDELIS SIC PERMANET.' The word 'Ontario' appears at the bottom.

Gold: 200+ volunteer hours

This certificate recognizes your civic engagement, leadership and community spirit. It can also help you stand out on a resume and post-secondary applications.

To qualify for a certificate, submission of hour logs to guidance are required by April 1st of the student’s graduating year.

For further information please see volunteer opportunities in your area or contact your school Guidance office.

Contact Us


Eleanor Badgley
eLearning Registrar, Secondary Program Secretary
˿Ƶ District School Board
1994 Fisher Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 6X6
Phone: 705-742-9773 x2191
Toll-Free: 1-877-741-4577
Send email to eLearning Registrar

Vikki Ernst
Principal Student Success
˿Ƶ District School Board
1994 Fisher Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 6X6
Phone: 705-742-9773 x3124
Toll-Free: 1-877-741-4577
Send email to Principal of Student Success