Volunteer Service Awards
Volunteer service is a great way to give back to the community and gain unique experiences during high school. Students who volunteer 30 or more hours per year may get an award. These awards can be helpful for job resumes and college applications.
Award Timeline and Categories
There are two awards that recognize students for outstanding volunteer service over a 12-month time period (or the award calendar year). Students may receive one award per year and which award they receive depends on their total volunteer hours. Awards are presented to students in May of each year during a lunchtime event.
The current award calendar year is April 14, 2023 - April 19, 2024. The awards include:
1. Acalanes High School Volunteer Service Award Awarded to students who perform 30+ hours of service during the award calendar year. This award has returned to the 30-hour limit as COVID-19 restrictions are no longer limiting opportunities.
2. President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) National award recognizing students who perform 50+ hours of service (if under 16 years) or 100+ hours of service (if 16 and older) during the award calendar year.
NEW Award Overview and Guidelines
NEW Application Instructions
Acalanes has launched a new volunteer tracking app called Helper Helper. Students must use Helper Helper to add volunteer service for the awards. Paper application and verification forms are no longer required. Read these instructions to learn more. To get started:
2. You will receive an email in 1-3 days to confirm that you have been added to Helper Helper and provided a temporary passcode to get started.
3. All volunteer hours entered, validated and approved in Helper Helper by April 19, 2024 that took place in the award calendar year will be automatically applied towards an award. No application submissions are needed.