The President’s Volunteer Service Award Program (PVSA)

YSC becomes an Official Certifying Organization!

We are thrilled to announce that starting immediately, YSC becomes the official Certifying Organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program (PVSA)

The Award provides an opportunity for young people (at least five years old) and adults to earn an award based on the number of volunteer hours they had in the previous year. 

Application Opening in 2022

 

 

The President’s Volunteer Service Award

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an opportunity to honor your most outstanding volunteers and recognize the impact they make.

01

What’s the PVSA?

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.

Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

02

What is the benefit of earning PVSA?

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a prestigious national honor that highlights your commitment to serving the community and the nation. To high school students, this award not only improves your resume for college applications and future job applications but also allows you to inspire others to follow in your footsteps – to contribute to their communities through volunteer service and to make volunteer service a central part of their lives. 

The President’s Volunteer Service Award Levels include bronze, silver, gold, and the highest honor, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime. Please see the hours requirements for each level below.

03

Who is eligible to receive the PVSA? 

  • United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e., green card holder)
  • Must be at least five years old
  • Completes eligible service within a 12-month period (for annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards) and over a lifetime (for Lifetime Achievement Awards)

Eligible Service:

  • Unpaid acts of volunteer service benefitting others
    • Service through National service programs that provide a stipend (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) may count towards the Lifetime Achievement Award, but not for the annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards)
    • Travel stipends, transit/parking passes, membership passes, expense reimbursements, and other nominal volunteer support do not impact service eligibility

Eligible Service does not include:

  • Donating funds
  • Political lobbying (Non-partisan voter registration is an eligible activity)
  • Religious instruction
  • Conducting worship service
  • Proselytizing
  • Volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service
  • Serving only family members

04

Is there a reporting deadline? 

The award is given for service between Sept 1-August 31 of every year. All hours must be verified and submitted by Oct. 31.

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