Varsity Letter in Community Service

What is Varsity Letter in Community Service? 

Through the Varsity Letter in Community Service (VLCS) program, United Way of Southeast Minnesota partners with high schools in Olmsted, Dodge, Winona, and Fillmore counties to recognize and reward students for their volunteer efforts in the community. High school students who volunteer 100 hours during the program year can earn the Varsity Letter in Community Service award. With 52 weeks in a year, that is equivalent to about 2 hours per week! 

Applying for Varsity Letter in Community Service

  1. Review the current application packet: 2024-2025 Varsity Letter in Community Service Application 
  2. Email Sonja if you're new to Varsity Letter in Community Service so she knows you're interested and can answer any questions you may have.

  3. Keep track of your volunteer hours throughout the year using a volunteer tracker like this one àVolunteer Hour Tracker that includes:

    • Dates of Volunteer Service 

    • Name of Agency/Organization

    • Name of Volunteer Supervisor 

    • Area of Impact (Financial Stability, Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communities, Community Resilience, Other)

    • Description of Service Performed

    • # of Hours Volunteer during each activity

  4. Verify your volunteer hours. Each time you volunteer, verify the experience by:

    • Capturing a photograph or selfie during the volunteer experience 

    •  Having the volunteer supervisor verify your volunteer experience by:

      • signing a piece of organization letterhead, 
      • recording a video verification,

      • or emailing Sonja directly from their organizational email

        • *Scroll down for ideas about where to volunteer!

  5. Complete a Reflection Piece that includes the following: 

    • What you learned about yourself during your volunteer experience over the program year
    • What you discovered about your community through the experience
    • What you enjoyed most about the experience 
    • How you feel the experience has shaped you and your worldview

  6. Turn in your application to United Way of Southeast Minnesota by the Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 using one of the following methods:

    • VIA EMAIL: You may submit your application via email to sonjas@uwsemn.org for Sonja, the Program Coordinator, to review.
    • BY MAIL: You may mail or hand deliver your application to our office at: United Way of Southeast Minnesota, 903 West Center Street, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55902, Attn: Varsity Letter in Community Service.
    • Hours are for eligible volunteer work from March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025.
    • Application deadline is on or before March 1, 2025.
  • United Way will notify you that we have received your application via email.
  • United Way will notify you in April with determination of whether you are receiving this award.
  • Students who qualify for the Varsity Letter in Community Service award will receive a certificate, a community service patch, and a pin specifying a first, second, third or fourth year award recipient. These are currently free of charge. 
  • Participating high schools will offer students the school's varsity letter and any associated acknowledgements/awards.