What is Varsity Letter in Community Service?
Through the Varsity Letter in Community Service (VLCS) program, United Way of Olmsted County partners with high schools in our coverage area- Dodge, Fillmore, Olmsted and Winona Counties- to recognize and reward students for their volunteer efforts in the community. High school students who volunteer 100 hours in one program year can earn their school varsity letter. With 52 weeks in a year, that is equivalent to about 2 hours per week!
We invite students to explore Get Connected for local volunteer opportunities.
2024-2025 School Year Applications are due Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Learn more at: www.uwolmsted.org/volunteer (Click on the Varsity Letter in Community Service tab)
How to Apply
- Review the 2024-2025 application packet.
- If you're new to VLCS, email Sonja so she knows you're interested and can answer any questions you may have!
- Keep track of your volunteer hours throughout the year. You will be asked to turn in a volunteer hour tracker with your application.
- Each time you volunteer, either take a photo OR get your volunteer supervisor to sign a piece of organization letterhead or send Sonja an email verifying your volunteer time.
- Complete a reflection piece that includes:
- What you have learned about yourself during your volunteer experiences over the program year
- What you have discovered about your community through your volunteer experience
- What you enjoyed most about the experience
- How you feel this experience has shaped your worldview
- Turn in all application materials to United Way of Olmsted County by March 1, 2025:
- Your reflection piece
- Volunteer hour tracker
- Verification for each organization you volunteered with
- The personal information and signature sheet
Application Materials
All supplemental materials including Requirements & Resources, Volunteer Hour Trackers, and FAQs are included in the application packet.
Email Sonja Sommerfeldt, Impact Program Coordinator sonjas@uwolmsted.org with any questions.
Important Dates
- Hours are for eligible volunteer work from March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025.
- Application deadline is on or before March 1, 2025.
- You may email sonjas@uwolmsted.org OR mail/hand deliver your application to our office at: United Way of Olmsted County, 903 West Center Street, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55902, Attn: Sonja Sommerfeldt VLCS
What to Expect After You Apply
- United Way of Olmsted County will notify you via email that we have received your application.
- United Way of Olmsted County will notify you by April 1, 2025 with a determination of whether you are receiving this award.
- A student who qualifies for the Varsity Letter in Community Service, will receive an award certificate and a community service pin from United Way of Olmsted County if he/she is a first, second, third or fourth year earning the award. These are currently free of charge. Participating high schools will offer the school's varsity letter and any associated acknowledgements/awards.
