Community Involvement Hours
All Ontario secondary students must complete 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students may begin to accumulate volunteer hours in the summer between Grade 8 and Grade 9.
The certificate program recognizes students who earn 50 or more community involvement hours with distinctions for bronze (50-99 hours), silver (100-199 hours) and gold (200+ hours) beginning with students graduating in the 2025-26 school year. Schools will share timelines by which eligible graduating students will need to submit their community involvement hour documentation in order to receive a Certificate of Recognition as part of graduation processes.
Why Complete Community Involvement Hours?
Community hours encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and give students opportunities to make valuable contributions to their communities. When students are involved in their communities, they can:
- Develop transferable skills and explore different sectors and potential career opportunities as well as deepening their understanding of their role in society
- Prepare for work and civic life in a globalized, digital age
- Develop skills and experiences gained to become successful and contributing members of society now and in the future
Involvement Activities
- Must have their activities pre-approved by their school if unsure
- Must complete hours outside of class time
- Must not be part of a credit course
- Must be activities completed in the community to benefit others
- Must be unpaid activities
- Must not replace the role of a worker that would normally receive wages
- Can be completed anytime between the summer going into Grade 9 and graduation
Parents/Guardian Guidelines
- Provide help to their child when they are selecting community hours and contact the community sponsor and school principal with any questions and concerns
- Sign the Required Record of Community Involvement Hours document if your child is under 18
Parents can help with the following:
- Ensuring the health and safety of the student
- Consider the location of activity and hours of operation
- Assist in selecting engaging and meaningful activities
- Assist in selecting activities that meet the eligibility criteria
See this page for Guidelines on Eligible and Ineligible Activities
How to Find Community Involvement Opportunities
- Check out your school’s school guidance office bulletin board announcements
- Visit Volunteer Halton
Getting Started
Students must complete the Notification of Planned Activity on the Record of Community Involvement Hours document which is available from their home school and then submit to their teacher advisor.
Steps to Completing the Hours
- Select an activity
- Confirm eligibility (including form) and obtain approval from the school using the Record of Community Involvement Hours Form
- Complete activity
- Complete the remainder of the Record of Community Involvement Hours document, and have it signed by the community sponsor
- Submit the completed form to your school's guidance department
- Reflect on your community involvement activity and add to your resume in myBlueprint
Tips for Success
- Begin Early: Students can begin their community involvement hours the summer after grade 8
- Be Professional: Be on time, dress appropriately and listen to instructions
- Be Safe: Ask for help and clarification if in doubt of what you've been asked to do
- Ensure Eligibility: Confirm eligibility of activity in advance
Note: Guidance departments are closed during the summer - Submit Paperwork: Submit paperwork for each activity as it is completed
- Complete early: It is recommended that you complete your 40 community involvement hours before you begin grade 12
Considerations for Community Sponsors
Persons and organizations in the community can be asked by the student to sponsor a community involvement activity. It is crucial that students are able to fulfill their community involvement activities in a safe environment. Any training, equipment, or special preparation that is required for the activity should be provided by the person or organization. The person overseeing the student's activity must verify the date(s) and the number of hours completed on the Record of Community Involvement Hours document.
The board's liability insurance will protect the students and the community sponsors that may arise from the student’s activities in the community involvement program for the 40 hours required.
Useful Links
- HDSB Examples of Eligible/Ineligible Activities for Community Involvement Graduation Requirement
- Volunteer Halton
