Community Involvement – A Graduation Requirement

As stated in Ontario Secondary Schools, Grades 9 to 12: Program and Diploma Requirements, every student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The purpose of the community involvement requirement is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities.

For more information, please visit UGDSB Community Involvement

Students are able to start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter grade 9.

Looking for volunteer opportunities in Dufferin County? Visit Volunteer Dufferin.

Each student maintains a record of the Community Involvement activity, ensuring that the Community Involvement Activity Notification and Completion form (PDF) is correct and signed by a parent/guardian, and the Community Sponsor(s).

Here are some examples of ways to support your community: 

• Service Clubs: run games, special events and walk-a-thons

• Sports/Recreation: coach children, volunteer refereeing in charity games, be a leisure buddy

• Community Events: assist with winter carnival, organize parades and fall fairs

• Environmental Projects: participate in community clean-ups, tree planting, recycling programs

• Volunteering for Seniors: help with crafts of reading, removing snow and cleaning up yards

• And more! Check our Community Involvement Guide for more ideas