About socal tamil youth service award
High school students in the Southern California region have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their community while gaining prestigious regional recognition for their service.
The SoCal Tamil Youth Community Service Award is a highly regarded honor in the Southern California Tamil community, presented to high school students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism throughout their high school years. This award celebrates students who contribute their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to better the community — including meaningful service to the Tamil community, helping fellow students stay connected to their language, roots, and rich cultural heritage.
Recognized as a distinguished regional award, this honor not only highlights a student’s dedication to service, but also enhances their college and job applications. Volunteering offers valuable exposure to real-world environments, cultivates leadership, builds essential life and career skills, and creates a deeper connection to one’s heritage.
Established in 2024 by the SoCal Tamil Organization, the award has quickly become a symbol of pride within the Tamil community, with students collectively completing hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours across Southern California.
Students who qualify will receive special honors, including a letter of recognition from the President of the SoCal Tamil Organization, reinforcing the impact of their service. Beyond the recognition, the most meaningful reward is knowing that their time and efforts have made a lasting difference in the lives of others and the community they proudly represent.
How it Works
Eligibility
All high school students residing in the Southern California region are eligible to participate, regardless of the school they attend.
Volunteer Period
Service hours must be completed between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.
Application Period
Students must apply for the SoCal Tamil Youth Service Award between June 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026.
Service Requirement
1. A minimum of 25% of total volunteer hours, or at least 50 hours, must be served specifically with the SoCal Tamil Organization.
2. All hours must be completed through nonprofit organizations with a recognized volunteer program that serves the Southern California region.
Tracking Hours
Students must use the SoCal Tamil Organization’s official tracking form to log their hours and must obtain a verification signature from their supervisor after each service session with the SoCal Tamil Organization.
⚠️ Failure to complete this step will disqualify the student from receiving the award.
1. Parent/Student Agreement: A signed agreement form from both the student and their parent/guardian is required.
2. Service Timeline: All service must be completed within the 12-month period to qualify for annual recognition.
Award Levels – Service Benchmark
Age Group |
Bronze |
Silver |
Gold |
Teens (Ages 11–15) |
50–74 hrs |
75–99 hrs |
100+ hrs |
Young Adults (Ages 16–25) |
100–174 hrs |
175–249 hrs |
250+ hrs |
Adults (26+) |
100–249 hrs |
250–499 hrs |
500+ hrs |
Note: Award levels are based on age and the total number of eligible volunteer hours completed within a 12 month period.
Contact Information
For questions or further assistance, please contact our Volunteer Coordinators: