Days of Service
Volunteering fosters a sense of community among both veterans and civilians. It creates bonds between individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal of supporting those who served their country.
SVA Volunteer Opportunities
Continue to serve by participating with SVA's Day of Service events.
Student Veterans of America® (SVA) empowers its members to make a meaningful impact through volunteering. As a proud participant in the President’s Volunteer Service Award program, SVA provides numerous opportunities for student veterans to give back. Whether it’s engaging in Days of Service, contributing to SVA programs, or collaborating with local chapters for community initiatives, there are ample chances to make a difference.
Chapter members can easily log their volunteer hours through the MySVA portal. Join SVA in the spirit of service and be recognized for your dedication with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Days of Service - Sign up Today!
Details coming soon!
Details coming soon!
National Cemetery:
Join us in making a positive impact on the final resting places of our heroes this Memorial Day. Over time, cemeteries face environmental challenges and wear, affecting the dignity of the final resting sites. Whether it’s facilitating cleanups, laying flags, or placing wreaths, your dedication will make a meaningful impact. By participating in cleanups, we can ensure that these hallowed grounds are maintained with the respect and reverence they deserve. To find a VA National Cemetery near your chapter, and learn about opportunities to get involved, please visit this link.
wear blue: run to remember:
This Memorial Day, Student Veterans of America and wear blue: run to remember are uniting to honor more than 65,000 service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since the Vietnam War with our Hero Match initiative.
Together, we are committed to preserving the legacy of our fallen heroes. By sharing their stories, calling out their names, and celebrating their legacies, we can collectively ensure their enduring remembrance.
Take these steps to join the wear blue community this Memorial Day:
- REGISTER with wear blue.
- HONORING A HERO
- Honor Your Loved One – If you have a hero you would like to honor, please input their name. Your race bib will display the name of your hero.
- Honor Match – Be matched with a fallen hero to receive their name and story. Your race bib will display the name of your hero.
- CREATE A MOVEMENT PLAN
- Walk/Run
- Want to step it up? Track other fitness remembrance challenges/workouts at the same time
- Organize a hike with your SVA chapter & local community
- Start a Ruck March event with your SVA chapter & local community
- Participate in the Murph Challenge
- Join virtually, too! We have the benefit of using social platforms so that no matter where you are, your steps matter and will honor your hero.
The mission is clear, and we need you to join us, United In Service, this September.
As we approach the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, Student Veterans of America’s National Head Quarters is presenting a special opportunity to unite as a community and make a meaningful impact. The Mission Continues, an organization dedicated to service and community, has issued a call to action for us to join forces and honor those who have served and sacrificed in the aftermath of 9/11.
This year for 9/11 Day of Service, we want each of you to find a local TMC Platoon to serve with. Whether you’re a veteran, military connected, or simply someone who believes in the power of community service, this is your chance to make a real impact while remembering the events that shaped our nation.
How Can You Get Involved?
Registration: Click here to register with The Mission Continues for a project near you.
Please ensure to select Student Veterans of America for the organization you are representing.
Engage: Participate in the service project, contribute your skills, and connect with fellow volunteers.
Share: Spread the word about this opportunity within your networks to inspire others to join this cause. Don’t forget to tag us on your social media posts!
By participating, you’ll be part of a nationwide movement dedicated to making a difference and upholding the unity that emerged in the wake of 9/11. Together, as Student Veterans of America and The Mission Continues, we can contribute to our communities, honor the sacrifices made by our fellow Americans, and leave a lasting legacy of service.
Please note: If you do not have The Mission Continues Platoon in your area, we encourage you to reach out to your campus and community for volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Details coming soon!
Pay it Forward
By staying involved with SVA after graduation, you can ensure that the next generation of student veterans and military-affiliated students have the resources, support, and advocacy to succeed.
President's Volunteer Service Award
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recognizes incredible individuals who are committed to a high level of volunteerism and service. These individuals work tirelessly to help solve some of the toughest challenges facing their communities, and our nation.
As an official certifying organization, Student Veterans of America members are eligible to receive this special award for their annual volunteer service. Chapters and Members that achieve the minimum 100 hours of service, will receive the PVSA award package which will include a personalized certificate of achievement and letter from the President and official award pin.
Congratulations to the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award Recipient, Christian Smith from Fordham University.
2024 Award Year
The President’s Volunteer Service Award hours are completed between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024. All service hours must be entered into MySVA portal to be counted. Individuals meeting the specified eligibility requirements shall have the opportunity to be nominated for this prestigious award, which will be presented during our National Conference (NatCon).
See below for information on eligible service and how to report your service hours.
Individuals participating must be:
- Student Veterans of America Chapter Member
- United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Completes eligible service within a 12-month period (January – December)
Per federal program rules, the PVSA may only be awarded to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (i.e. green card holders). However, all Chapter Members are encouraged to submit their volunteer service hours in the MySVA portal to receive recognition from SVA and contribute hours towards their Chapter’s total.
Eligible service:
- 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: 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, and serving only family members.
SVA Chapters are also eligible to receive the official President’s Volunteer Service Award coin, certificate of achievement and letter signed by the President.
Group awards require the participation of two or more active Members each contributing at least 25 hours toward the group’s total volunteering hours, which must reach a minimum of 100 hours.
The Member must be an active Member of the Chapter and log their hours individually via MySVA portal. Members can complete these hours on their own and/or as part of Chapter service events.
It is recommended that Chapter Members keep track of their volunteer service ours throughout the year. Chapter members can easily log their volunteer hours through the MySVA portal.
Service Hours Required to Earn Awards in Each Age Group
| Age | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kids (5-10) | 26-49 hours | 50-74 hours | 75+ hours | 4,000 hours |
Teens (11-15) | 50-74 hours | 75-99 hours | 100+ hours | 4,000 hours |
Young Adult (16-25) | 100-174 hours | 175-249 hours | 250+ hours | 4,000 hours |
Adults (26+) | 100-249 hours | 250-499 hours | 500+ hours | 4,000 hours |
