This program not only nurtures a service-minded approach but also helps students accumulate volunteer hours, which are beneficial for college applications. Through their involvement, students can enhance their personal and academic profiles, making a meaningful impact on both the school and the wider community.

Who Can Join the Student Volunteering Program?
The Student Volunteering Program is open to current and graduated students of Vallalar Tamil School.

How is the Student Volunteering Program Structured?
The Student Volunteering Program is offered in two formats:

1. Vallalar Student Volunteering Award (VSVA): All participants in this program will receive the Vallalar Student Volunteering Award (VSVA) in recognition of their community service. A minimum of 10 volunteer hours is required to qualify for this award, which includes a certificate of appreciation from the school.
   
2. President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA): Students who participate in the Student Volunteering Program and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may also be eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). To qualify for this prestigious award, students must meet specific minimum hour requirements as outlined by the PVSA program.

What is the Vallalar Student Volunteering Award (VSVA)?
The Vallalar Student Volunteering Award (VSVA) was established to recognize the contributions of students who may not be eligible for other volunteer awards, such as those who are dependents of visa holders. This award honors their dedication and service to the community.

To receive the VSVA, students must complete a minimum of 10 volunteer hours in a year. Recipients will be awarded a certificate detailing their total volunteer hours, which can be used to support applications for programs such as the National Honor Society (NHS) and college admissions.

What is the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)?
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a prestigious civil honor awarded by the President of the United States. It recognizes individuals who have dedicated significant hours of their personal time to volunteer and serve their communities. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for this award, and proof of citizenship or residency is required.

The PVSA was established in 2003 by executive order under President George W. Bush. The award is granted in Gold, Silver, or Bronze levels, depending on the number of volunteer hours completed.

What is the Eligibility for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)?
Citizenship/Residency: Applicant must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder).

Service Requirement: To qualify for the annual awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold), eligible volunteer service must be completed within a 12-month period.

What are the hours required to earn awards in each age group?
Hours Required to Earn PVSA Awards by Age Group:

1. Children (ages 5-10):
   • Bronze: 26-49 hours
   • Silver: 50-74 hours
   • Gold: 75+ hours
2. Young Adults (ages 11-15):
   • Bronze: 50-74 hours
   • Silver: 75-99 hours
   • Gold: 100+ hours
3. Adults (ages 16 and older):
   • Bronze: 100-174 hours
   • Silver: 175-249 hours
   • Gold: 250+ hours

Can volunteer hours served at other nonprofit organizations be combined with those at Vallalar Tamil School for PVSA Awards?
Vallalar Tamil School recognizes volunteer efforts at external organizations by providing appropriate certification for the hours served. However, for these hours to be eligible for consolidation towards the PVSA Awards, Vallalar Tamil School must be able to verify them. If verification is not possible, the PVSA Awards will be granted based solely on the hours volunteered at Vallalar Tamil School.

Please note that Vallalar Tamil School reserves the right to accept or decline hours from other organizations at its discretion, potentially choosing to recognize only those hours served directly at our institution.

What’s the process to get the PVSA?
Vallalar Tamil School is a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Vallalar Tamil School offers students the opportunity to earn this award each year. Vallalar Tamil School’s certification year runs September 1st through August 31st.

What are the benefits of PVSA for School Students?
The PVSA (President’s Volunteer Service Award) honors U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have completed the required service hours within 12 months. Recipients of this prestigious award receive a PVSA medallion, a certificate of achievement, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States. These accolades can significantly enhance college applications, showcasing the student’s commitment to community service and leadership.

What are the benefits of having PVSA in your college application?
Students’ college applications will stand out from the crowd with the PVSA, providing a unique opportunity to establish themselves as leaders. Whether starting a club, leading an extracurricular program, or making an impact in a respected research area, students must demonstrate the ability to connect with and inspire others. Volunteering hundreds of hours of personal time to help others without expecting anything in return is a powerful testament to a student’s character, paving the way for leadership and respect in college.

To sign-up as a volunteer, please fill-up this form – https://forms.gle/K2LzBHunbhUwhJuJ7

For more details, please reach out to our School PVSA coordinators at pvsa@njvallalarpalli.org

Vallalar Tamil School is an affiliate of ITA/CTA. Please complete the registration in CTA website and choose “Vallalar Tamil School” as your school.

Fees for the Academic year 2021-2022 is $200 for one year (One time payment). Books and all other materials are included in the fee.

Student Registration form – https://www.catamilacademy.org/cta/StudentReg.aspx