Volunteering as a High School Student: A Big & Amazing Step in Life
High school is a moment in our lives when we all grow academically, personally, physically and even emotionally, which makes it an amazing but (at the same time) a tough season. But we do not have to go through it alone, we can do it together! And one of the best ways to help other people and ourselves is through volunteering. Yes, volunteering!
Volunteering as a high school student sets you apart from the crowd, it contributes to your development as an unstoppable human being. In this blog, we will go over the benefits of volunteering and ideas of volunteering.
Benefits of Volunteering in High School
Personal fulfillment: Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and satisfaction in making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Skill development: Volunteering allows you to learn and develop new skills that can be valuable in various areas of your life, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
Networking opportunities: Volunteering provides the chance to meet and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, expanding your network of contacts.
Career exploration: Volunteering can help you explore different fields and industries, allowing you to gain insights and discover potential career paths.
Enhanced resume: Volunteering adds valuable experience to your resume, showcasing your commitment, skills, and community involvement to future employers or educational institutions. It is a good day to stand out in college applications.
Personal growth: Through volunteering, you can gain self-confidence, boost your self-esteem, and develop a greater understanding of yourself and others.
Cultural awareness: Volunteering exposes you to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, fostering empathy, understanding, and tolerance. You will be surprised how much you can learn!
Expanded knowledge: Volunteering often involves learning about social issues, community dynamics, and specific areas of interest, broadening your knowledge base.
Improved health and well-being: Studies have shown that volunteering can contribute to better physical and mental health, reducing stress and increasing overall well-being.
Increased empathy and compassion: Volunteering exposes you to the challenges and struggles faced by others, cultivating empathy and compassion for those in need.
Civic engagement: Volunteering is an active form of civic engagement, allowing you to contribute to your community and play a role in shaping society.
Time management skills: Volunteering requires commitment and effective time management, helping you develop valuable organizational and prioritization skills.
Positive reputation: Volunteering can enhance your reputation within your community, demonstrating your commitment to social causes and making you a trusted member of society.
Inspiration for others: By volunteering, you can inspire and motivate others to get involved, creating a ripple effect of positive change in your community.
Ideas of Volunteering for High School Students
Tutoring younger students in academic subjects.
Assisting at a local animal shelter.
Participating in beach or park clean-up events.
Volunteering at a community garden.
Mentoring at-risk youth.
Assisting with fundraising for a nonprofit organization.
Volunteering at a retirement home.
Organizing a clothing drive for the homeless.
Helping at a local food bank or soup kitchen.
Assisting with environmental conservation projects.
Volunteering at a hospital or medical center.
Supporting children with special needs.
Participating in a youth leadership program.
Volunteering at a local library.
Assisting with disaster relief efforts.
Organizing a community event or festival.
Volunteering at a community center.
Assisting with after-school programs for underprivileged children.
Volunteering at a local museum or art gallery.
Supporting refugees and immigrants in your community.
Assisting with a community theater production.
Volunteering at a local sports club or organization.
Mentoring and coaching young athletes.
Assisting with a local environmental organization.
Volunteering at a homeless shelter.
Organizing a blood drive or participating in a blood donation.
Supporting a literacy program or tutoring adults in reading.
Assisting with a community radio station.
Volunteering at a local historical society.
Participating in a community service trip.
Supporting a youth mentoring program.
Assisting with a local farm or agricultural project.
Volunteering at a community theater or performing arts center.
Assisting with disaster preparedness education.
Participating in a fundraising walk or run for a cause.
Supporting a local veterans' organization.
Assisting with a community-based counseling center.
Volunteering at a local nature reserve or park.
Assisting with a local after-school music program.
Volunteering at a youth summer camp.
Supporting a local women's shelter or organization.
Assisting with a community-based recycling program.
Volunteering at a local science center or museum.
Participating in a community garden project.
Supporting a local advocacy group.
Assisting with a community-based youth sports program.
Volunteering at a local animal rescue organization.
Supporting a local hospice or palliative care center.
Assisting with a local after-school robotics program.
Volunteering at a community-based art program.
Supporting a local disaster response team.
Assisting with a community-based music or choir program.
Volunteering at a local homeless outreach center.
Participating in a community-based mentorship program.
Supporting a local environmental education initiative.
Assisting with a community-based theater group.
Volunteering at a local children's advocacy center.
Supporting a local food rescue organization.
Assisting with a community-based coding or computer science program.
Volunteering at a local refugee resettlement agency.
Participating in a community-based sports league for individuals with disabilities.
Supporting a local mental health organization.
Assisting with a community-based dance or ballet program.
Volunteering at a local animal rehabilitation center.
Supporting a local literacy organization or library program.
Assisting with a community-based gardening or urban farming project.
Volunteering at a local STEM education program.
Participating in a community-based music or band program.
Supporting a local disaster relief organization.
Assisting with a community-based photography or art program.
Supporting a local organization focused on combating poverty..
Volunteering at a local wildlife conservation project.
Supporting a local organization for individuals with disabilities.
Volunteering at a local children's hospice.
Supporting a local organization focused on mental health advocacy.
Volunteering at a local animal-assisted therapy program.
Supporting a local organization focused on youth empowerment.
Assisting with a community-based entrepreneurship or business program.
Participating in a community-based cooking or culinary program.
Supporting a local organization focused on environmental justice.
Assisting with a community-based yoga or mindfulness program.
Volunteering at a local children's museum.
Supporting a local organization focused on promoting diversity and inclusion.
Assisting with a community-based sports coaching program.
Volunteering at a local organization for individuals with autism.
Supporting a local organization focused on promoting gender equality.
Assisting with a community-based robotics or engineering program.
Volunteering at a local organization for individuals with visual impairments.
Supporting a local organization focused on promoting social justice.
Volunteering at a local organization for individuals with hearing impairments.
Volunteering is for everyone!
Volunteering is not meant for one type of person, it is for everyone. For all those who like science, sports, civic engagement, business and even mindfulness. You just have to have the willingness to help your community around and leave your comfort zone to become your best version. Remember that outside of your comfort zone is where all the magic happens.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.