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 NECAAU has been approved as a certifying organization to present this award to qualifying volunteers.

To be eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, volunteers must meet the following criteria:

1. U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency: The PVSA is open to U.S. citizens or legal residents.
2. Hours of Service: The award is based on the number of hours a volunteer dedicates within a 12-month period. The levels are:
   • Bronze:
     • Ages 5-10: 26-49 hours
     • Ages 11-15: 50-74 hours
     • Ages 16+: 100-174 hours
   • Silver:
     • Ages 5-10: 50-74 hours
     • Ages 11-15: 75-99 hours
     • Ages 16+: 175-249 hours
   • Gold:
     • Ages 5-10: 75+ hours
     • Ages 11-15: 100+ hours
     • Ages 16+: 250+ hours
   • Lifetime Achievement Award: For those who have completed 4,000 or more hours of service over their lifetime.
3. Service Period: All service must be completed within a single 12-month period, either for our organization or in a combination of organizations, as long as hours are verified.
4. Verification: Volunteers must track their service hours and provide accurate records, which will be verified by our organization.