How to Get Your 40 Volunteer Hours in Ontario
Every Ontario high school student needs 40 hours of community involvement to graduate. Here's exactly what counts, when to start, how to record your hours — and where to find opportunities near you.
The requirement
40 hours of unpaid community involvement, completed any time between the summer before Grade 9 and graduation, are required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
When can you start?
Earlier than most students think: eligible hours count from the summer before Grade 9. Spreading the 40 hours across four years — a weekend event here, a weekly shift there — is far easier than scrambling in Grade 12, and it gives you time to try different causes before committing to one you enjoy.
What counts (and what doesn't)
✓ Usually counts
- ·Helping at a food bank, shelter, or community kitchen
- ·Community events, festivals, and charity runs
- ·Coaching younger kids or tutoring other students
- ·Supporting a non-profit, library, hospital, or long-term care home
- ·Environmental work: park clean-ups, tree planting, community gardens
- ·Helping at a place of worship or cultural organization
✗ Doesn't count
- ·Anything you're paid for
- ·Activities during class time (unless your school approves)
- ·Chores or duties you'd normally do at home
- ·Court-ordered or mandated community service
- ·Activities your school board lists as ineligible or unsafe
Each school board publishes its own list of eligible and ineligible activities, and the details can change — always confirm with your school's guidance office before starting.
How to record and submit your hours
- 1
Confirm the activity with your school
Before you start, check that the activity is on your school board's eligible list — your guidance office can confirm in minutes. This saves you from doing hours that don't count.
- 2
Do the work and track every shift
Keep a simple log: date, organization, what you did, and how many hours. Photos and notes also help if you ever need a reference letter later.
- 3
Get your form signed
Ask the organization's supervisor to sign your school's community involvement form confirming your hours. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian usually signs too.
- 4
Submit to your guidance office
Hand the form in as you complete hours — don't wait until Grade 12. Your school records the hours toward your OSSD requirement.
Where to find volunteer opportunities
Becoming gathers volunteer roles daily from verified community organizations and government programs across Toronto and the GTA — and labels the ones that suit high school students. Browsing is free and you can apply directly from each listing.
Tips from students who finished early
- Start the summer before Grade 9. Ten hours a summer means you're done before Grade 11 even starts.
- Pick a cause you actually care about. The hours go faster, and a consistent commitment looks stronger on university and job applications than scattered one-offs.
- Ask for a reference letter. After 20+ hours with one organization, a supervisor's letter becomes a real asset for scholarships, co-op placements, and first jobs.
- Submit forms as you go. Guidance offices see a Grade 12 rush every year — don't be part of it.
Frequently asked questions
How many volunteer hours do I need to graduate high school in Ontario?
You need a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The hours can be completed at any point during high school, at your own pace.
When can I start earning volunteer hours?
You can start in the summer before Grade 9. Any eligible activity completed from that summer onward counts toward your 40 hours, so starting early takes the pressure off senior years.
What activities count toward the 40 hours?
Unpaid activities that benefit your community generally count: helping at a food bank, community events, coaching or tutoring, supporting a non-profit, environmental clean-ups, or volunteering at a library, hospital, or place of worship. Each school board publishes its own list of eligible and ineligible activities, so confirm with your school before you start.
What activities do NOT count?
Paid work, activities done during class time, duties you'd normally do at home, court-ordered community service, and activities the board considers unsafe or inappropriate for students typically do not count. When in doubt, ask your guidance office first.
How do I record and submit my volunteer hours?
Track every shift, then complete your school's community involvement form: the organization's supervisor signs to confirm your hours, a parent or guardian signs if you're under 18, and you submit the form to your guidance office. Submit hours as you go rather than all at once in Grade 12.
Can I do my volunteer hours online?
Often, yes. Many organizations offer remote roles such as virtual tutoring, social media support, or online event help. Remote hours can count toward the 40-hour requirement as long as your school board approves the activity.
Requirements are set by the Ontario Ministry of Education and administered by school boards; details can change. Always confirm current rules with your school's guidance office. Last updated July 2026.