Completing at least 40 hours of community involvement activities is a requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The requirement encourages students to develop awareness of civic responsibility and the contributions they can make to their communities.
Temporary pandemic-era changes (which reduced the requirement to 20 hours for students graduating in 2020–21) have ended. Students now need the full 40 hours.
Ideas for earning hours
- Tutoring or mentoring younger students in reading, math or other skills.
- Teaching music, dance or art classes to younger children.
- Volunteering with seniors — technology help, regular check-ins or letter-writing.
- Supporting food banks, shelters and not-for-profit donation drives.
- Helping newcomer youth and families learn about their new community.
- Neighbourhood clean-ups and environmental projects.
- Organizing a community fundraiser or awareness campaign.
Getting hours approved
Activities must take place outside of scheduled class time and cannot be part of a credit course. Speak with the school office before you begin if you're unsure whether an activity qualifies — the principal can approve other meaningful ways to contribute.
Questions about this policy? Contact the school office at (647) 293-9906 or info@innocenthearts.ca.
