The Power of Giving Back: A Guide to Community Service Ideas For High School Students

Introduction: Exploring Community Service for Students

Community service is more than just a high school requirement or a way to impress the admissions department on a college application; donating time to a charitable cause is a meaningful experience that can shape teens' lives in profound ways. 

Empathy. Compassion. Communication. Learning how to lead but also knowing how to follow. These are all skills that extend far beyond academics and lead into all aspects of everyday life. By giving back to your community, you connect with those around you in a whole new way and gain the opportunity to recognize and address local needs, gain new perspectives, and perhaps even inspire others to get involved as well. 

Research also shows that volunteering is good for our mental health and personal well-being. In fact, the Journal of Happiness Studies  reported that people who volunteer regularly have higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, as well as reduced rates of depression. Volunteering isn't just good for the resume; it's good for the soul.

So, if you're a teen looking to get involved in your community through volunteerism, or know a teen who is, you've come to the right place. Let's have a look at a detailed and comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities suitable for high school students that will get teens out of the house and into the community, while boosting academic resumes at the same time. 

Community Service 101: Opportunities for High School Students to Make a Difference

Classic Service Projects for Young Volunteers

When it comes to finding a volunteer project to get involved in, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. Here are a few of the more traditional and teen-friendly volunteer projects that can get you started making a difference in your community:

• Local Food Banks: Unfortunately, food security is a pressing concern in today's society, with many individuals and families struggling to put dinner on the table. Food banks are constantly looking for volunteers to keep up and usually have a simple and streamlined training system to get you started as soon as possible. Volunteering usually involves sorting, packaging, and distributing food to those in need and will put you in direct contact with your community while instilling a sense of compassion and empathy for those less fortunate. 
• Tutoring and Homework Help: Tutoring and offering homework help to others is an excellent way to get involved and help other students who may be struggling, not to mention it's completely customizeable depending on your skills and interests. Enjoy working with kids? Start, or get involved, in a "reading buddies" program where you partner with children to help them increase their reading skills and improve fluency. Prefer to work with students your own age? Tutoring one-on-one or in a group setting with your peers is a great way to help your "students" increase their grades and confidence while building a newfound confidence of your own. 
• Animal Shelters: Looking to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our four-legged friends? If you're an animal lover, then volunteering at an animal shelter could be for you. Many shelters are overwhelmed and underfunded, meaning they can use all the volunteers they can get. Cleaning, walking, and feeding animals are all small jobs that can really make a difference, not only for the furbabies, but also for the staff and veterinarians that work on site and already have their hands full. 
• Senior Care Facilities: For many seniors, assisted living facilities and retirement homes can feel lonely and isolated from time to time. Something as simple as playing cards and board games or simply sitting down and having a chat can brighten a seniors day. Tech-savvy? Teach seniors how to use computers and smartphones so they can keep in contact with their friends and families through social media or video calls. Crafty? Hold arts and crafts sessions for seniors where participants can paint, knit, or crochet, while creating beautiful keepsakes for someone in their family. Arts and crafts-based get-togethers are a wonderful way to engage seniors, have an afternoon of conversation, and provide an opportunity for you as a volunteer to not only learn a new craft but also learn some life lessons directly from those with the most experience.

Green Volunteering: Projects for Teens

With climate change having an ever increasing impact on our planet it's no wonder that many teens are looking for opportunities to get involved in environmental and wildlife conservation efforts. If getting involved in eco-friendly initiatives sounds like the right kind of community service for you here, here are a few project ideas that can help you make your community a greener and more sustainable place to live:

• Beach and River Clean-Ups: One of the easiest ways to get involved in environmental volunteerism is through beach and river clean-ups. These clean-ups not only beautify public spaces making them more enjoyable for everyone, but they also take pollutants and plastics out of our waterways.
• The Ocean Conservancy estimates that 90% of marine species are affected by plastic pollution, either through ingestion or entanglement, so picking up plastic and other trash that others leave behind can make a huge difference to those the species that call our beaches and rivers home.
• If you'd like to get involved check with environmental groups in your area or log onto nonprofit websites like Keep America Beautiful or The Ocean Conservancy to find a cleanup event near you. You can even organize your own cleanup with friends, family, and neighbors and collect data on every piece of trash you pick up and enter your results into smartphone apps like Clean Swell or Litterati which can help make your initiative more fun and engaging. These apps can even assist scientists from all over the world with their research by collecting date and helping them identify pollution trends and hotspots.

• Composting Programs: Getting involved in composting is a great volunteer opportunity for Eco-Crusaders of all ages, particularly those in high school eager to learn more about ecology and environmentally sustainable practices. Not only does composting reduce waste while creating nutrient rich soil, it also reduces carbon footprints and conserves water.
• If you want to get involved and are looking to get your hands dirty, reach out to local community gardens and environmental nonprofits in your area. Even larger cities and towns are seeing an upswing in urban gardens, where finding land access and quality soil can prove difficult. These gardens are usually volunteer based and are almost always looking for some helping hands.
• Many schools have also implemented composting programs, using food waste from school cafeterias to create quality compost. Fruits and veggies can be grown in school gardens with school created compost which is then harvested and used by cafeterias to feed hungry lunch-goers. This creates a closed-loop system where everything comes full circle.
• Don't have a composting program at your school? Talk to your school administration about implementing one and gather a team of friends and volunteers to get it started! All you need are some plastic bins (including some smaller ones for individual classrooms), some tools like shovels and pitchforks, some gloves and a space to operate and you're good to go.
• Be sure to hold presentations and make flyers that will educate fellow students not only about the "do's and don'ts" of composting but also about the advantages that composting holds and why it's beneficial to the environment. This is also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about composting yourself, so read up on different techniques such as vermicomposting (using worms), and hot composting, and find a method that works best for your school and your community. 

• Conservation Volunteering: Perhaps you would like to get involved in environmentalism in a broader, more full-spectrum kind of way, or perhaps you're looking at environmental sciences as a career path. Either way conservation volunteering could be the right opportunity for you!
• Conservation volunteering looks at the long-term picture, with the mindset that the efforts we make in the present will benefit our generation, as well as generations to come in the future.
• Volunteering initiatives could include things like tree planting, wildlife monitoring and tracking, habitat restoration, invasive species control, sustainable agriculture, or marine conservation projects. The options are endless and a great way to open doors into the academic world of environmental conservation and sustainability. 
• If you'd like to dive into the world of conservation volunteering, check with your national or state parks, as many offer volunteer programs for youths, particularly in the fields of wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration. Also, be sure to check out nonprofit environmental groups such as The World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy to learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area, or log onto sites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist who can help you find grassroots volunteer options in your area simply b entering your city or zip code. 

Service Projects for School Credit 

While many high school students get involved with volunteerism simply because they enjoy it and want to make positive change in their communities, the fact that it looks good on college applications and can even be used towards school credit is definitely a bonus. If you're looking for some extra credit check with your school's administration or guidance counselor to see what kind of projects are available, or find your own and approach them to see if the project you'd like to be involved with qualifies. Here are some of the more common service projects that often meet the criteria for school credit:

Mentoring Projects:

• Volunteers who participate in mentor programs are usually paired with students in both high and middle school who may be struggling to get by in certain subjects, or sometimes with at at-risk students in local community centers. Mentoring not only helps students achieve better grades, but can help both student and mentor build confidence, patience, and better communication skills. Normally these kinds of initiatives work on an hourly system where the amount of credit gained depends on the number of hours logged.
• If you'd like to take your mentoring skills outside of the school setting, getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is also an option. "Bigs" pair up with and mentor youth, helping them with school work, social skills, teaching them hobbies or simply just passing time together playing sports or games. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization often pairs up with local high schools giving mentors the opportunity to gain extra credit while making a difference in the lives of students who may be struggling academically or socially. 

Skill Beautification Projects:

• Are you artistically inclined or perhaps have a green thumb? Schools often offer extra credit for students interested in painting murals, planting flowers, or repairing playground equipment. Off school grounds, sometimes school credit can be gained by creating or assisting with community gardens, removing graffiti, implementing recycling programs, or organizing neighborhood cleanups.
• Again, if you're looking specifically to receive credit for your time and effort be sure to speak to your high school's administration or guidance counselor to make sure the time you put in counts. Document your project and provide "before and after" photos that demonstrate the hard work you've put in and how your efforts have played a role in make your community a cleaner, more beautiful place to live in.

Research Based Volunteering:

• Research based volunteering is for those students who are naturally curious, and are looking to apply their interests to real-world problem solving, particularly those students who are interested in the sciences and technology. Research based volunteering could include anything from data collection, to survey creation, to advocacy and policy research.
• Many universities and colleges welcome high school students into their labs to assist with basic research and simple tasks, so check with the local post-secondary institutions to see if they are looking for any assistance in the area that is of most interest to you.
• If you're interested in the sciences, STEM could be the credit building volunteer program you are looking for. STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Math) is a program that pairs students who have already have knowledge and experience in these areas and matches them with younger students who are developing an interest in these topics. Students meet up with their mentor and learn about a variety of topics including coding and robotics or math and environmental sciences. STEM is not only recognized in the United States, but also worldwide and provides the framework for students to log their tutoring hours in return for extra credit. 

Group Service Projects for High Schoolers

Volunteering as a Team 

As the saying goes "teamwork makes the dreamwork", and if you enjoy working with others, want to work on your leadership and communication skills, or just want to make some new friends and create positive change at the same time, volunteering as a team can help you achieve your goals and set you up for success in the exciting years to come. Here are some ways you can get involved in team-based volunteering in your area:

Fundraising Walks or Runs:

• Many charities and nonprofits organize fundraising walks or runs as a way to generate money while raising awareness for their cause. Participating in fundraising walks for breast cancer, mental health awareness, or disaster relief (just to name a few) are great ways to get involved in your community, make a difference and make some new friends along the way. Reach out to organizations near you, and see if they need any volunteers.
• Have a cause near and dear to your heart? Organize your own fundraising walk or run and ask friends, families and schoolmates to hit the streets with pledge sheets. Just be sure to be organized, set attainable goals and be transparent about your cause. Let people know where the money will be going, and keep them updated with results via social media or an online newsletter, and include photos and video showing how their donations are making a difference.

Assembling Care Packages:

• If you would like to put a smile on the face of an individual or family who is struggling, assembling and distributing care packages to those in need is a wonderful way to make a difference in your community. Target a specific group such as the homeless, veterans, or senior citizens, for example, and identify what kind of items would be of most benefit. This could include items such as blankets, socks, canned goods, and gently worn clothing which are everyday and essential items that not everyone has access to or can afford. Get a group together and organize a clothing drive or ask for donations from your school or local businesses. Assemble some care packages and make deliveries in your area to those who need them most. Including a handwritten and heartfelt note can also add a special touch that can warm both their hearts, and yours, while letting them know they are not alone or forgotten.

Virtual Community Service Projects 

While volunteering within your community is a wonderful way to get involved and make a real, tangible difference, volunteering doesn't need to be limited to your own particular zip code. Today platforms like Zoom, and Google Meet have opened up volunteer opportunities on a world-wide basis, and offer the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others in your neighborhood or on the other side of the globe with nothing more than a smartphone or a laptop. Let's explore a few of these unique and innovate ways to get involved in global volunteerism:

Virtual Tutoring:

• While we've covered the virtues of offering tutoring services and homework help, with today's technology its easy to take your tutoring skills outside of the classroom or community center, and offer online help to students in need, regardless of their location. Work with your school, local library, or with nonprofits in your area to help identify students who may need some extra help and get online. Platforms like Kahoot and Quizlet can help you form your own curriculum and make online tutoring a fun and engaging way to learn for everyone involved.

Online Language Exchange Programs:

• Volunteering through an online language program is a way to help other students learn, or improve their English speaking skills, while learning a new language yourself. These programs could be grammar or vocabulary based or could involve something more informal like having a basic conversation and learning about each others cultures while communicating in a second language... which is almost always the best way to learn. 
• If you'd like to go global with your language tutoring, websites and such as Tandem, and Speaky are designed to pair you with another student looking to exchange their language skills as well. If you're looking for something with a little more structure, sites like Lex Language Project and Intercambio Uniting Communitites are organized by nonprofit organizations whose main objectives are specific to language and cultural exchange. 

Virtual Art or Music Lessons:

• If you're a fan of the arts, and love to paint, draw or play music, why not share your passion with others by teaching online with virtual lessons? Perhaps you enjoy working with children and want to keep it light and fun, or maybe you prefer working with students your own age or seniors, and would like to help them develop their skills, or offer your classes as a way to relax and connect with others who have similar interests. No matter how you look at it, sharing your skills with others online via Zoom or Google Meet can be an enriching experience for everyone involved.
• If you would like to offer online classes in the arts, make a poster with your contact information and post them around your school, library or local community center. Creating social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram can help reach a broader audience, particularly if you include them on your poster so people know how to find you. 
• It can be difficult to offer classes with a schedule that works for everyone involved. If you find yourself overwhelmed with scheduling, or simply feel uncomfortable with "going live", taping your classes in advance can not only take the pressure off, but also make your classes more accessible to those who prefer to learn on their own time and at their own pace. Just be sure to keep your students updated as to what material they will be working on next, or what supplies they will need for their next lesson. 
• Check in with your students on a regular basis in order to receive feedback. Ask them what they like about your classes and don't be afraid to receive some constructive criticism. Feedback is the best way to refine your teaching style, leaving your students happy and coming back for more. 

Virtual Support for Nonprofits:

• If you're into digital marketing, content creation, or website support, consider offering your time and skills to local charities and grassroot nonprofits. These groups normally operate with little to no funding and are almost always looking for assistance in these areas so they can focus on their mission and day-to-day operations.
• Check with groups in your area to see if you have any of the skills they may be looking for. Otherwise log onto websites like Idealist, VolunteerMatch or Points of Light to find volunteer opportunities outside of your community that match with your skill set. 

How to Get Started with Community Service: A Step-by-Step Guide 

If you or someone you know is a teen looking to get started in volunteering and community service then this is the guide for you. Below we have included comprehensive step-by-step instruction on how to get started, and have included some tips for those first-time volunteers looking to make a positive change. Let's get started:

• First things first, you need to decide why and where you would like to volunteer. While there is nothing wrong with volunteering solely for extra credit and a more impressive transcript, you'll find the experience much more satsifying and rewarding if you volunteer for the joy of helping others. 
• Once you've identified how you'd like to volunteer, it's time to decide where you would like to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer in your communtiy, reach out to your guidance department at school or use local resources such as the library or neaby community centers, or go directly to a nonprofit center in your neighborhood. As mentioned before you can also check out volunteer websites such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and DoSomething and review available volunteer opportunities in your area, or find remote options if you'd prefer to volunteer virtually.
• Once you have found the right organization for you, be sure to verify if there's any paperwork that needs to be filled and that you meet the age requirements as set by the nonprofit, or have the parental consent form signed if need be. Also, be clear about how much time you have to contribute, and what your schedule looks like. Be realistic. While you may be eager to donate as much time as possible, it's important to keep studies and family life a priority. Besides, it's not doing anyone any favors if you're showing up late to volunteer commitments, or not showing up at all. Be punctual and try not to overdo it, especially if this is your first time volunteering. Start slow and make sure you've found the right fit for both you and the organization.
• As with most things, never be afraid to ask questions. If you're unsure of your role or what's expected of you be sure to ask. Many nonprofits have volunteer co-ordinators whose sole role is to make sure that volunteers are organized, happy and confident in knowing where they're supposed to be and what they're supposed to be doing. 
• Last, but not least, embrace the experience. Volunteering can open your eyes to issues you may not have noticed before, and put you in contact with people from all walks of life. These are experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy it.

Closing Thoughts: Step Outside the Classroom and Start Making a Difference Today

While academic success is the most important factor in college admissions, volunteering while in high school will provide some invaluable skills that will take you well beyond the classroom. If you want to volunteer, look for an initiative or cause that speaks to you and makes you want to get involved. What matters most is getting involved with a cause or initiative that gets you excited to donate your time and make a difference.

Ultimately, whether you choose to volunteer solo, in groups, or even online, remember that, no matter what your age and no matte how small the contribution, volunteering can help make real and positive change. So go ahead—find a cause you care about, rally your friends and classmates and start making a difference. And remember, volunteering is not just about changing the lives of those around you, it's about changing your own.

If you would like more information on volunteering, or would like to know more about organizing your own fundraisers, check out the blog on our website at Paybee or contact us here and we'll be more than happy to help you get started, after all it's all about "pollinating goodness".