All students in Ontario secondary schools are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement in order to graduate and receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The purpose of this requirement is to encourage students to develop an understanding of the various roles they can play in their community. The community involvement requirement as one of many positive experiences young people will have to apply their education to community life in practical ways.
Purpose
The purpose of the community involvement requirement is:
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to foster an understanding of civic responsibility;
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to develop a student's sense of worth as they play a role in their community; and
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to help young people develop their skills.
Activities
These volunteer activities must be:
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completed outside scheduled class time;
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not be part of a credit course;
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unpaid activities;
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total a minimum of 40 hours; and
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completed by the end of Grade 12.
Timing
The work to fulfill the requirement can begin at any time after the student completes Grade 8 (starting in the summer before they enter Grade 9). A single 40-hour activity, or a series of shorter-term activities totalling 40 hours may be completed. The student must submit a Completion of Community Involvement Activity Record of his or her completed activities.