Looking for something?

Community Volunteer Hours

Submission of hours

To have hours recorded, students can use this Community Involvement Recording Sheet, or a letter from their volunteer placement. NEW: This form is now a fillable PDF, so students just need to download a copy first, fill out the information on their computer, save, and print the PDF for parent/guardian and community sponsor to sign.

To submit your Community Involvement hours, please complete THIS form.

Community Service Hours

Students must complete 40 hours of volunteer work as one of the ministry requirements for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).  The aim is to encourage students to become actively involved in making positive contributions to their community.  Students may begin accumulating hours during the summer before they enter Grade 9.  It is recommended that students complete their 40 hours by the end of Grade 10, or before they start working part time.  Students may earn more than 40 hours and have these hours recorded.

For Volunteer Opportunities please visit:

Virtual Volunteering Opportunities

The Halton Board policy on Community Hours can be found HERE.

Ministry guidelines designate eligible and ineligible activities for the community involvement requirements.

Eligible Community Involvement Activities:

An event/activity/program:

  • Designed to be of benefit to the community;

  • To support not-for-profit agencies, institutions, or foundations;

  • Structured to promote tutoring, mentoring, coaching and whose purpose is to assist others;

  • That supports work of a global nature;

  • That promotes environmental awareness;

  • That promotes and contributes to the health and well-being of any group, including school-based activities;

  • Affiliated with a club, religious organization, arts or cultural association, or political organization that seeks to make a positive contribution in the community.

Ineligible Community Involvement Activities

The Ministry of Education and Training’s list of ineligible activities include:

  • Activities that take place during time allotted for instructional program on a school day;

  • Activities that displace paid workers and/or where you are normally paid (babysitting);

  • Required activities of a course where you earn a credit;

  • Participating on school sports teams or clubs;

  • Experiential learning (Take Our Kids to Work Day, job shadowing, Co-operative Education);

  • Regular family responsibilities (chores);

  • Court-ordered community service programs.

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.

New in the 2024-2025 School Year

Students who complete more than 40 community involvement hours are encouraged to maintain their own record of completed community involvement hours. Secondary schools will no longer track and collect documentation for the completion of community involvement hours beyond the 40 hours required. Students can maintain a record of completed involvement hours through a digital or hard copy portfolio should they wish to have proof of hours for future scholarship, award and/or special program opportunities.

​​​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
​Community Involvement is designed to benefit the community​ - activities should help to improve the community and the lives of those who live within it.Requirements for Completion of Community

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 Volunte​er Halton

Getting Started

Students must complete the Notification of Planned Activity on the Record of Comm​unity Involvement Hours document​​ which is available from their home school and then submit to their teacher advisor.

Steps to Completing the Hours

  1. Select an activity
  2. ​Confirm eligibility (including form) and obtain approval from the school using the Record of Community Involvement Hours Form​​
  3. ​Complete activity
  4. Complete the remainder of the Record of Community Involvement Hours document, and have it signed by the community sponsor
  5. Submit the ​​completed form to your school's guidance department
  6. 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​ 

This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.