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Halton students study the real impact of mandatory volunteer hours

What do students really gain from forced community service? A groundbreaking Halton study digs into the data—and the answers may surprise policymakers.

The image shows a poster with a group of people on it, with the words "Volunteer Put Your Stamp On...
The image shows a poster with a group of people on it, with the words "Volunteer Put Your Stamp On Your Community" written across the top. The poster features a variety of people of different ages, genders, and ethnicities, all smiling and looking towards the viewer. The background of the poster is a bright blue sky with white clouds, and the text is written in a bold, black font.

Halton students study the real impact of mandatory volunteer hours

A new study is examining how mandatory volunteer work affects students in the Halton Region. The project, led by Community Development Halton (CDH), involves surveys from local pupils about their experiences. Funding comes from the Burlington Foundation, with the initiative set to conclude in early 2026. CDH has operated in Burlington for over 40 years, yet many still consider it an overlooked asset. The organisation runs a volunteer portal, helping residents find opportunities and register as volunteers. It also plays a key role in community planning across the region.

For this project, students designed a questionnaire and collected responses from peers. They used postal codes to track participants and gather data on the impact of the 40-hour volunteer requirement for graduation. By July 2025, 225 surveys had been completed. Rishia Burke leads CDH as Executive Director, supported by a strong Board of Directors. Heather Johnson, Director of Volunteer Halton, also contributes to the initiative. The organisation’s long-standing reputation as one of the province’s most productive not-for-profits adds weight to the study’s findings.

The survey results will provide insights into how mandatory volunteering shapes students’ experiences. With the project funded until February 2026, CDH aims to deliver a detailed report on its impact. The findings could influence future policies on community service requirements in schools.

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