Established by the Delaware General Assembly in 1998, the Delaware Volunteer Credit allows students in grades 9-12 to earn one (1) elective credit towards graduation.  

This credit is awarded for a minimum of 90 hours of community service (earning a ½ credit is not an option). Hours should be served in two (2) semesters however, the semesters do not have to be consecutive (and summer counts as a semester). Any combination of summer, fall or spring semesters is acceptable.

Volunteer hours must be performed outside the student’s regularly scheduled school day. Hours completed as part of a service group requirement may also be used towards the Delaware Volunteer Credit.

Volunteer activity cannot be political or advocacy in nature. Valid volunteer service must not include inherently religious activities such as religious worship, religious instruction or religious proselytizing.  Service performed at, or with, a faith-based organization must have a secular purpose and meet a recognized need in the greater community.

Sites must be approved by the State Office of Volunteerism. Those not previously approved will be contacted to research their ability to meet the criteria for the credit.

A student can only receive the credit one time in their high school career and all volunteering must be completed in the state of Delaware.

Getting Started

• Inform your School Counselor that you are interested in the Delaware Volunteer Credit Program. You must have approval from your School Counselor prior to receiving your credit.
• Students must register on the Volunteer Delaware website to participate. To receive credit, all hours must be self-reported by the student on the website for each individual day. Hours documented in other formats, such as on organization letterhead, will not be accepted.
• Students should self-report hours at the completion of a shift or project. Once you have completed your volunteer hours, an email will be generated to Volunteer Delaware.
• Once you have met all requirements and all hours are verified, an email will be sent to your School Counselor. Hours must be submitted on the Volunteer Delaware website by April 1st to receive the credit for the current year. Completed hours submitted after this date will be considered for the following school year.

Completing this program offers benefits that extend well beyond simply earning a credit toward graduation. Successful completion reflects positively to future employers, demonstrating commitment, responsibility and community involvement. Students also receive a Certificate of Completion signed by the Governor, adding official recognition of their efforts. In addition, participants may be nominated for the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards and have the option to apply for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. These achievements strengthen resumes and college applications, helping students stand out for their dedication to service!

Learn more at Volunteer Delaware.

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware focused on providing book access to those who need it most.

Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more.