Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has announced a new initiative aimed at encouraging young residents to get involved in their community through volunteer service.

The Mayor’s Youth Service Awards program is designed for junior high and high school students who live in Fishers and are enrolled in public, private or home school programs. The program recognizes students for completing volunteer hours with approved nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.

Under the program, students can begin accumulating service hours at age 13 and continue through high school graduation. Those hours translate into award levels, with increasing recognition as students reach higher milestones.

Students earning 50 to 99 hours will receive a Certificate of Civic Leadership. Additional recognition is offered at higher levels, including lapel pins, graduation cords, and a letter of commendation from the mayor. At the highest level—300 or more hours—students will also be recognized on city social media and invited to a breakfast with the mayor.

“Serving others is one of the most impactful ways our young residents can shape their community,” Fadness said in a statement announcing the program. “This program not only recognizes that commitment but also helps instill a lifelong passion for civic engagement.”

The initiative is tied to the city’s broader volunteer efforts through Volunteer Fishers, which connects residents with service opportunities and provides training and support.

Students can register for the program through the city’s website and track their hours using the Volunteer Fishers platform. Those already participating in Volunteer Fishers can apply previously completed service hours toward award recognition.

The city is also highlighting several upcoming volunteer opportunities for students looking to get started.

At the Fishers AgriPark, volunteers assist with planting, tending livestock, and helping visitors. The annual Touch-a-Truck event at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in May will need help with setup and operations. Spark!Fishers, the city’s summer festival in late June, offers a wide range of roles, from vendor assistance to shuttle coordination. Later in the year, the Geist Half Race Series will rely on volunteers for course support, parking, and finish-line activities.

City officials say the program is intended not only to recognize student contributions, but also to build long-term habits of civic involvement among Fishers youth.

Mayor Fadness and the city’s Volunteer Coordinator Amy Crell talked about volunteerism in this recent podcast.

A full list of opportunities is available at VolunteerFishers.com.