UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Students across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) are being encouraged to make the most of their high school years by giving back and earning special recognition for their efforts.

While Ontario students are required by the Ministry of Education to complete 40 hours of community involvement to graduate, those who go above and beyond can earn a Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement from the Ministry of Education at graduation.

The certificates recognize students who complete:

• 50-99 volunteer hours for bronze recognition;
• 100-199 volunteer hours for silver recognition; and
• 200+ volunteer hours for gold recognition.

Students can start accumulating volunteer hours the summer before Grade 9 and continue throughout their high school career.

Community involvement not only fulfills graduation requirements, but it also helps students build valuable skills, demonstrates civic engagement, and stand out when applying for jobs, post-secondary programs, apprenticeships, and scholarships.

Students who are graduating in 2026 are reminded to submit all completed volunteer hours before April 1 to ensure they receive the proper recognition certificate.

For full details on eligible activities and submission requirements, visit:
www.ucdsb.on.ca/graduationrequirements or talk to someone in your school guidance office.