Have You Got Enough Volunteer Hours to Graduate High School?

In Ontario, high school students need at least 40 hours of community involvement activities to graduate. If you don’t have your volunteer hours yet, this is your reminder! Get the answers to these commonly asked questions and find ideas on how you can meet your graduation requirements.

What is volunteering and why should I do it?

Volunteering is freely offering to do something, or doing it without being asked. It’s a hugely beneficial activity that can make a real difference in the lives of others – and your own! Not only does it feel good to help others, volunteering can help you:

• Gain new skills and confidence
• Explore new career fields
• Take on bigger responsibilities
• Become part of a community
• Make new friends and connections that could help you long after graduation

Your community involvement hours also make you a more desirable candidate when applying for jobs. When hiring, employers like to see a well-rounded person with lots of interests inside and outside of school. It’s not just about getting good grades!

When is the best time to do my volunteer hours?

The earlier the better! According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, students can start accumulating their 40 volunteer hours in the summer before starting grade 9.

Spreading 40 hours over 4 years is much easier than leaving it to the last few months of grade 12. You won’t be worried about squeezing in volunteer work when you should be studying for exams.

Where should I do my volunteer hours?

There are so many options for you to explore – and most charities and community organizations would love your help. This is also a great opportunity to dream big and reach out to large organizations you find inspiring or might some day like to work for.

Say you’re thinking of studying medicine after high school, volunteer in a hospital to see what a nurse or doctor’s day looks like. Or if you’re passionate about animal welfare, walk dogs or help clean cages at a shelter.

You can find dozens of interesting places to volunteer and read stories from other high school students at Youth Connect. There’s even a list of ideas based on interests like sport, technology, art, gardening, kids or music on this page.

Here are some other ideas for your volunteer hours:

• Tutor younger students or help those with special needs with their homework
• Run environmental initiatives like yard clean ups or zero waste programs at school
• Put away books and help organize events at your school or local library
• Play board games, write letters, or read with the elderly at a seniors’ home
• Shovel snowy driveways for elderly neighbours, help them with groceries, or use your tech skills to teach them how to use their computer or smart phone
• Raise money for a charities with bake sales and fun runs
• Plant trees, harvest food or rake leaves at a community garden
• Get involved with your school council or leadership team
• Assist the coach of a sports team with set up/pack up
• Sell tickets or give a hand backstage at a theatre
• Help a political party with campaigning or canvassing

Can I make money while accumulating my hours?

No, you cannot make money while doing your community involvement activities. And you can’t just go into a job and ask them not to pay you. Activities that would normally be someone else’s job in a workplace don’t count – you cannot replace a paid employee.

What else doesn’t count towards my community involvement hours?

The ministry has developed a list of ineligible activities – things that cannot be chosen for your community involvement. Some workplaces (like mining or factories) also have age restrictions, so always check with your guidance counsellor at school before starting your hours.

Ineligible activities can include:

• Your daily chores at home (cleaning your room and helping with the dishes don’t count!)
• Coops, job shadowing, work experience and other requirements of your class or course
• Activities during class hours (lunch breaks or spare periods are OK, but ask your guidance counsellor first)
• Tasks that involve operating a vehicle, power tools, scaffolding, or handling “designated substances” which may be unsafe
• Administering medication or medical procedures
• Banking, handling jewellery, art, antiques or other valuables

Read more about ‘ineligible activities’ to make sure your hours count.

Do I need to check with my school before starting my community hours?

Yes! Before you start, you need approval from your school. Don’t miss this step, because you want to make sure your volunteer work counts.

You’ll also get a form (similar to this one), which will help keep track of your hours. Your guidance counsellor at school can give you a hand with this.

Help! I’m in grade 12 and I haven’t started my hours yet!

If you’re in your last year of high school and don’t have these hours yet, visit your school guidance counsellor and ask for help. Even if you’re not sure where you’d like to do your hours, they’ll give you plenty of ideas.

See what else you need to graduate high school in Ontario here.

For more resources on getting your 40 hours of community involvement, visit Youth Connect or Ontario’s Ministry of Education website. If you’re a high school student or parent needing one-on-one counselling support, Marlene Kaiman can help you navigate through any high school challenges. Book an appointment with Marlene today.