40-Hour Volunteer Requirement for High-School Students Reinstated

July 28, 2022

Toronto, ON— After two years, the provincial mandate for high-school students has been reinstated to the full 40-hour requirement. The mandate was waived for students graduating in 2020-21, and saw a reduction to 20-hours for student graduation in 2021-2022, both changes due to COVID-19.

“Volunteering is proven as a two-way relationship,” says Cara Eaton, Volunteer Toronto’s Director of Strategic Communications in an interview for Toronto.com in 2020. “Not only do non-profits and communities benefit from the time that’s given, but volunteers are actually changing, they’re growing. You’re learning how to empathize with others, how to be accountable, how to understand your civic role in society.”

The benefits of volunteering include increased access to services volunteers might not have known about before, exposure to the non-profit sector, relevant career experience, networking opportunities and even job references, plus transferable skills like collaboration, communication, empathy, and creative and critical thinking.

For students who are now graduating in the 2022-2023 school year, the 40-hour community involvement graduation requirement of 40 hours applies. Students can start accumulating their community involvement 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
• Browse roles on VolunteerToronto.ca and sign-up to learn about the 2022 Ignite Fair for high-school students here: https://info.volunteertoronto.ca/ignitefair
• Ask their principal or guidance counsellor for more information

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.

Source: High school graduation requirements on Ontario.ca

Toronto is home to 1.6 million volunteers who give time to 14,000 non-profits, initiatives and grassroots groups. You can apply to become a volunteer by visiting Volunteer Toronto’s website at VolunteerToronto.ca or reach out by email or phone for one-on-one support at advisors@volunteertoronto.ca and 416-961-6888 ext. 232.

 If you are with the media and would like to arrange an interview, contact:

Cara Eaton
Director of Strategic Communications
ceaton@volunteertoronto.ca 
416-961-6888 ext 231