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The Delaware Volunteerism Act passed in 1994, states that “the active participation of young adults in volunteer activities is necessary to achieve a truly healthy community.” In partnership, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and the Delaware Department of Education have developed a process for young adults to receive recognition for their contributions. 

 

General Information About the Delaware Volunteer Credit

A student who meets the necessary requirements shall be eligible for the following types of recognition:

  1. Certificate of Recognition – All students shall receive a certificate of recognition to document the student’s volunteer community service.

  2. Delaware Volunteer Credit –  Upon completion of 90 hours of community service, a student in grades 9-12 shall receive (1) Delaware Volunteer Credit that can be counted as an elective towards graduation, if the student’s district or charter school board has adopted a policy approving such credit. The volunteer service must be completed over two semesters and performed outside of the student's regularly scheduled school day.  The semesters do not have to be consecutive or in the same calendar year. No more than (1) Delaware Volunteer Credit shall be awarded to any student. Students should verify eligibility for this credit with their school counselor or Principal.

To qualify, the following conditions must be met:

  • Volunteer community service shall not be performed during the hours that the student is required to be in attendance at school.

  • Volunteer community service shall be performed only with an organization or project whose name has been submitted to a school counselor by the Delaware Office of Volunteerism or the Department of Education; and

  • Volunteer community service shall not be of a political or advocacy nature.

 

Eligible for Recognition

Not Eligible for Recognition

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • <Time served with faith-based organizations that does NOT include teaching or promoting one faith. ((Examples: serving food, fundraisers, banquets, volunteering at the facility)

  • Hours spent teaching religion in a church, synagogue, mosque or faith-based institution

  • Ceremonies (including choirs, bands, etc.)

  • Time served benefiting a for-profit corporation

  • Any experience in which the student was paid for their time

  • Babysitting (paid or unpaid)

 

 

 

 

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