Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement
February 23, 2026
Go for the gold, Ontario!
Now every high school student in Ontario has the opportunity to “go for the gold” with the Ministry of Education’s new Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement! This certificate is given to students who earn 50+ volunteer hours during their four years of high school.
The certificate has 3 levels:
- Bronze: for completing 50-99 volunteer hours
- Silver: for completing 100-199 volunteer hours
- Gold: for completing 200+ volunteer hours
The Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement showcases one’s dedication to helping others, and emphasizes their leadership and community spirit. Graduating with this certificate can give students a great advantage in transitioning to their next career goal.
Obtaining this certificate can help you stand out when applying for:
- Jobs
- College or university programs
- Apprenticeships
- Scholarships
To get started, make sure your activities are eligible to volunteer for. Then, begin coordinating your volunteer hours with your school semesters to plan out how you can reach 200 hours in time for graduation. Finally, take home the gold!
For more information on the Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement, visit: Use high school volunteer hours to build your future | ontario.ca.