https://www.ontario.ca/page/high-school-graduation-requirements#section-4
For students who are graduating in the 2020-2021 school year, we reduced the graduation requirement to a minimum of 20 hours of community involvement activities.
Students can start accumulating the required 40 hours in the summer before entering Grade 9.
Students who are looking for community involvement opportunities should:
- make sure they know which activities qualify for the community involvement requirement
- check their school board’s website for a list of eligible and ineligible activities, as well as, resources to help them record hours and find volunteer activities
- visit the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network to find opportunities through a centre in their community
- browse SPARKOntario to discover volunteering opportunities and connect with local community organizations
- ask their principal or guidance counsellor for more information
If approved by your school’s principal, students may count the following towards their community involvement hours:
- up to 10 hours of paid employment if a student is 14 years or older and completes a reflection exercise demonstrating how their work contributed to their community
- community involvement during school time, for example, walking a younger child to and from school or helping younger siblings with school work
- duties normally performed at home, for example, helping an elderly relative with errands or providing after school care for a sibling
Students under 18 years old should consult with their parents to plan and select their community involvement activities, according to ministry guidelines. Students should also speak to their guidance counsellor about other ways their school could allow them to earn community involvement hours this year.
The community involvement requirement is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop awareness and understanding about civic responsibility. Students can actively participate in supporting and strengthening their communities. It also provides the opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and possible career opportunities.
