All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as a requirement of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Responsibilities of parents/guardians

Parents/guardians should provide assistance to their child in the selection of their community involvement activities. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to communicate with the individual or organization supervising a student’s community involvement activities and the school principal if they have any questions or concerns.

Parents/guardians of students who are under the age of eighteen years must verify their students’ community involvement hours using the school board’s approval and verification processes.

Procedures for students

Complete activities to fulfill the graduation requirement:
Students may complete the 40 hours of community involvement activities at any time during their secondary school program. 

Students in Grade 8 may start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter Grade 9.

Students may complete any number of eligible activities, as long as those activities result in the completion of 40 hours of community involvement. 

Students may not select an activity that is on the ministry’s or board’s list of ineligible activities.  

If a student or parent is unsure if an activity is eligible for Community Involvement they should contact their high school to confirm with the principal or guidance counselor.

When the activity is completed, the student, parents/guardians (for students under 18) and the individual or organization who supervised the community involvement activities must submit to the principal the required information using school board processes to verify that the activity has been completed. The student must submit to the principal or other school contact upon completion of the 40 hours, or at appropriate intervals determined by the principal.

Places you can volunteer

Community involvement activities may take place in a variety of settings such as:

• hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes and other health care institutions
• School events outside of classroom hours such as Open Houses, Parent-Teacher Interviews
• not-for-profit organizations public sector institutions, like your town, city or region
• offices of local, provincial or federal government representatives
• First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities or organizations
• religious, cultural events and community activities
• For a comprehensive list of local Volunteer Opportunities check out: https://www.workforcewindsoressex.com/volunteer/

Ineligible activities

The ministry has developed a list of activities that may not be chosen as community involvement activities. These are referred to as ineligible activities.

An ineligible activity is an activity that:

• is a requirement of a class, course, or program in which the student is enrolled (e.g., cooperative education course, experiential learning activities)
• would normally be performed for wages by a person in the workplace
• takes place during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day. However, an activity that takes place during the student's lunch breaks or “spare” periods is permissible
• contravenes the minimum age requirements to work in or visit a workplace stated in regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• contravenes any other applicable legislation, regulation or policy
• contravenes the policies and procedures of the organization that is supervising the student’s community involvement activities
• involves the operation of a vehicle, power tools, or scaffolding
• involves the administration of any type or form of medication or medical procedure to other persons
• involves handling of substances classed as “designated substances” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• requires the knowledge of a tradesperson whose trade is regulated by the provincial government
• involves banking, the handling of securities, or the handling of valuable items such as jewellery, works of art, or antiques
• consists of duties normally performed in the home (i.e., daily chores) or personal recreational activities
• involves activities for a court-ordered program (e.g., community-service program for young offenders, probationary program)
• involves activities that promote discrimination, harassment, or puts the safety of the student or others at risk.

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.

Bronze: 50 to 99 volunteer hours

Silver: 100 to 199 volunteer hours

Gold: 200+ volunteer hours

This certificate recognizes your civic engagement, leadership and community spirit. It can also help you stand out when applying for:

• jobs
• college or university programs
• apprenticeships
• scholarships