Celebrating Service: Understanding the President’s Volunteer Service Award

San Antonio, Texas – At FIRST in Texas, we are honored to be an officiating organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) since 2022. This prestigious award recognizes the dedication and commitment of individuals and teams who contribute their time and talents to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.

The PVSA celebrates American citizens and lawfully admitted permanent residents of all ages who have achieved a specific number of service hours within a 12-month period or over the course of a lifetime. This initiative, led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with the Points of Light Institute, shines a light on those who take action to engage in their communities in meaningful ways.

Criteria for Individual Awards

To qualify for the PVSA, individuals must meet the following hour requirements within a 12-month period:

•Children (ages 5-10): 26 to 49 hours for Bronze, 50 to 74 hours for Silver, 75 or more hours for Gold.

•Teens (ages 11-15): 50 to 74 hours for Bronze, 75 to 99 hours for Silver, 100 or more hours for Gold.

•Young Adults (ages 16-25): 100 to 174 hours for Bronze, 175 to 249 hours for Silver, 250 or more hours for Gold.

•Adults (ages 26 and up): 100 to 249 hours for Bronze, 250 to 499 hours for Silver, 500 or more hours for Gold.

•Lifetime Achievement: Individuals who have completed 4,000 or more service hours over their lifetime.

Criteria for Team Awards

In addition to individual awards, the PVSA and FIRST in Texas also recognizes teams. A team award can be earned by two or more people who achieve the required hours collectively. The total number of hours is based on the average number of hours per team member, which must meet or exceed the minimum for each award level according to their age group.

Recognition at FIRST in Texas

Since becoming an officiating organization, FIRST in Texas has presented PVSA awards to outstanding members of our teams and volunteers who have achieved significant milestones in volunteer service. These awardees have not only contributed substantial personal time but have also demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in advancing the goals of FIRST and impacting their communities.

For more information about the PVSA, including detailed criteria and how to track and submit volunteer hours, please visit our dedicated page here.

Join us in celebrating the hard work and achievements of our volunteers who continue to inspire and lead through service.

If you have questions, please contact pvsa@firstintexas.org