iStart Valley Launches IVSA – iStart Valley Volunteer Service Awards – as Interim Recognition During PVSA Suspension
Austin, Texas – Feb 16th 2026: iStart Valley, a nationally renowned nonprofit Business Accelerator dedicated to youth entrepreneurship, STEM leadership, and technology education, today announced the launch of the iStart Valley Volunteer Service Awards (IVSA).
The IVSA has been established as an interim recognition program following the temporary suspension of the AmeriCorps Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program until further notice.
For years, iStart Valley has proudly recognized its interns and youth leaders with the PVSA for their meaningful contributions in leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. With the PVSA currently on hold, iStart Valley has created the IVSA to ensure that student volunteers continue to receive timely and meaningful recognition for their service.
“Volunteerism is at the heart of leadership,” said MJ Charmani, Founder & Chair of iStart Valley. “Our students contribute hundreds of hours building startups, mentoring peers, leading community initiatives, and advancing innovation. Their impact deserves recognition without interruption.”
IVSA: Upholding the Same High Standards
The IVSA maintains the same rigorous service criteria previously used for PVSA nominations and follows identical hour-based recognition thresholds.
|
Age Group |
Bronze |
Silver |
Gold |
|
Teens (11–15) |
50–74 hrs |
75–99 hrs |
100+ hrs |
|
Young Adults (16–25) |
100–174 hrs |
175–249 hrs |
250+ hrs |
Awards are presented at three levels — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — based strictly on verified volunteer hours, in alignment with historical PVSA criteria.
Recognizing Service in Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Unlike traditional volunteer programs focused solely on community service, iStart Valley’s volunteer framework recognizes impact in:
- Youth Leadership Development
- Startup Incubation & Entrepreneurship
- STEM Innovation & Research
- Advanced Technology Projects
- Mentorship & Community Engagement
Through its internship programs, Youth Executive Council, Startup Accelerator initiatives, and innovation challenges, iStart Valley interns contribute measurable hours toward real-world problem solving and community advancement.
Commitment to Continued Excellence
The IVSA reflects iStart Valley’s ongoing commitment to transparency, integrity, and excellence in volunteer recognition.
When the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program resumes under AmeriCorps, iStart Valley intends to continue participation as eligible. Until then, the IVSA ensures that student leaders and volunteers receive recognition aligned with national standards.
For more information about the iStart Valley Volunteer Service Awards (IVSA), please contact:
Asha Lingaraju
Program Manager
iStart Valley