For the 2021-22 school year, the ministry has revised the 40-hour community involvement graduation requirement so that students will not be adversely impacted by the ongoing challenges related to COVID-19.
Community Involvement Graduation Requirement
For students graduating in the 2021-22 school year, the community involvement graduation requirement will be reduced to a minimum of 20 hours of community involvement activities. This recognizes that graduating students have had barriers to earning their community involvement hours last school year and there may be continued barriers this school year.
Earning Hours in 2021-2022
The ministry is providing increased flexibility in how all secondary students can earn hours in 2021-22:
- At the principal's discretion, schools may waive the restrictions that do not allow students to earn hours during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day, or duties normally performed in the home (e.g., walking a younger child to and from school, helping younger siblings with school work).
- Students aged 14 years and older can count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment towards their earned hours at the discretion of the principal. Students counting paid employment towards their graduation requirement will be required to complete a reflection exercise indicating how their work contributed to the service for others.
- Students should continue to seek out and accumulate community involvement hours in accordance with school board policies and procedures, keeping in mind local public health unit recommendations.
Virtual Volunteering
Students may wish to consider virtual volunteering, such as connecting with seniors, organizing virtual fundraising events and facilitating discussions with newcomer youth. Outdoor volunteer opportunities could include, for example, picking up litter.
Students who are looking for volunteer opportunities can visit the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN).
Community Involvement Requirements before 2020
Ontario Secondary Students are normally required to complete 40 hours of community involvement.
As stated in Ontario Secondary Schools Grade 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999, every student who begins secondary school during or after the 1999 - 2000 school year must complete 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.