A graphic design resembling a certificate for volunteer service awards, featuring an eagle emblem in the center with a shield on its chest, surrounded by a red background, and icons representing various awards on the sides.
Three medals on display with medals and documents underneath, indicating an award or recognition ceremony.
Close-up of a blue sign with white text reading "The President's Volunteer Service Award."

An initiative of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation 

Service usually springs from selflessness, but the President of the United States wants to recognize volunteers just the same. That's why the President's Volunteer Service Award was created. It is a national honor bestowed upon those who have sustained service to their communities. We are excited to show the world what our volunteers and organization are doing! The willingness of our nation’s citizens to service others plays a large role in what makes this country so great. BHCFL is providing an opportunity for you to be recognized for your work in the community. 

Eligibility

A group of children and adults participating in a memorial walk, with some children holding colorful lanterns.

Volunteer Eligibility

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

Community Service Hours Served

Table showing hours by award for different age groups and categories, with bronze, silver, and gold columns indicating hours ranges.

Purpose of PVSA

A group of children and an adult woman walking on a dirt field, holding trash bags, participating in a cleanup activity.

Purpose of the PVSA The purpose of the President’s Volunteer Service Award is two-fold: both to recognize those who have completed time-intensive service in their communities and to lift up those individuals and their service organizations to inspire more Americans to invest their time in making the country greater. 

BHCFL Award Year

Seal of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award featuring an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, with a shield on its chest, and the text 'The President's Volunteer Service Award' encircling the eagle.

BHCFL Award Year BHCFL's Award year starts on April 15th and ends the following year on  April 14th. Once you establish a volunteer account, you may submit your community service hours to us for review and track your own hours using our ROS Key(Record of Service).