Apply for the President’s Volunteer Service Award through International College Counselors

ByAimee Heller
A photo illustrating International College Counselors announces that it is an approved Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Did you know that International College Counselors is an approved Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)? We can verify and certify that a volunteer has met the requirements to receive a PVSA. This is another benefit ICC offers our clients at no additional cost.

What is the PVSA?

Established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recognizes the vital contributions of volunteers to America’s strength and identity. This prestigious award honors individuals whose dedication positively impacts communities nationwide, inspiring others to take action.

Continuing under each administration, the PVSA celebrates those who use their time and talents to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. It is administered by AmeriCorps in partnership with Points of Light, ensuring that volunteerism remains at the heart of civic engagement.

If an ICC student is looking for volunteer opportunities, we encourage them to contact their ICC college advisor.

Volunteer Eligibility: Who Can Receive the PVSA Award?

  • 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 for the PVSA Award

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.

Eligible Service does not include:

  • Serving only family members
  • Donating funds
  • Political lobbying (non-partisan voter registration is an eligible activity)
  • Religious instruction
  • Conducting worship service
  • Proselytizing
  • Volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service

Volunteering Tips for College Admissions Success

  • Quality over quantity. College admissions officers don’t focus on a specific number of volunteer hours or a particular type of service. Instead, they value consistent engagement with a single organization, as it demonstrates commitment and suggests that the student is likely to contribute meaningfully to the college community.
  • Deep involvement matters. Admissions officers look for students who are actively and deeply involved in their volunteer work. A sustained commitment to one cause shows genuine passion and dedication, which is more impactful than brief participation in multiple organizations.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS

No matter where your family is in the college admissions process, International College Counselors can help you with every aspect, including building and honing the college list, fine-tuning college applications, and writing admission essays. The expert team at International College Counselors includes former college admission officers, high school directors and counselors, and writing professionals with a combined 250+ years of experience, helping students and families successfully navigate the college application journey. For personalized guidance, contact International College Counselors at 954-414-9986 or email Marlene at [email protected]