Engaging in summer community service programs offers high school students a platform to contribute meaningfully to society while developing essential life skills. Research indicates that 59.3% of youth volunteers dedicate an average of 3.5 hours per week, surpassing the 49% participation rate of adults.
However, overall teen volunteerism has seen a decline, with 25% of teenagers volunteering in 2015, down from 28% in 2005. Participation in these programs is linked to enhanced social skills and increased civic engagement. Moreover, students who engage in community service often exhibit improved academic performance and higher self-esteem.
This article explores the top 15 summer community service programs tailored for high school students, highlighting opportunities that foster personal growth and societal contribution.
What Is Summer Community Service Volunteer Programs For High School students?
Wh atprogram program applies to all kinds of teen volunteer options, from day programs close to home to worldwide vacation programs.
In an effort to improve the world, high school students participate in the program with a focus on providing community service to host towns.
Additionally, you can incorporate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) or the performing and visual arts into your community service program. You can also combine it with travel.
The projects you’ll be working on will typically center around issues such; English as a Second Language, water quality and conservation, wildlife and animal conservation, tree planting and habitat restoration, environmental sustainability, housing, childcare, community building, and economic and social justice.
This experience is extremely important since it fosters the growth of your interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities while also allowing you to have fun and make new friends.
This is an excellent course to take whether you want to spend your summer vacation to do something different or you want to take a gap year before going to college.
One great approach to get off to a good start in adulthood is to enroll in one of the community service programs available to high school students.
Why Summer Community Service Volunteer Programs for High School Students?
High school students have a fantastic opportunity to better their communities and get ready for the future by participating in summer volunteer programs for high school students.
Volunteering frequently in high school may provide high school students an advantage over their peers when they enter college, in addition to enhancing social skills and raising awareness of neighborhood organizations and social issues.
- Gaining new skills
- Adding to the resume
- Giving time
- Showing responsibility
- Earning credits
#1. Gaining new skills
Training is a requirement for every new volunteer endeavor. When learning these abilities, they could appear simple or unimportant, but they could also serve as the foundation for success in the future.
Teenagers could learn how to utilize spreadsheets to keep track of inventories, for instance, by organizing the collection, organization, and distribution of gifts through locally sponsored school supply drives. These competencies provide as a solid foundation for careers in management, accounting, or small business ownership.
#2. Adding to the resume
It might be time to add a few paragraphs to a teen’s pre-college CV if it only lists computer basics and summer work experience at the neighborhood pizzeria.
Long-term dedication to community service demonstrates a teen’s willingness to work for something unpaid, much like an internship, apprenticeship, or job shadowing experience in college, which may be necessary for certain college programs.
#3. Giving time
Donating your time and skills is one of the most altruistic things someone can do. Teenagers who are involved in after-school activities like athletics or work jobs to support their families but still find time to volunteer on the weekends or in the evenings display exceptional character and a strong desire to change the world.
Students in high school are especially well-suited to find time to mentor younger kids, interact with senior citizens at a center, or help with occasional special activities done on weekends.
#4. Showing responsibility
Committing to a volunteer position demonstrates responsibility, just like showing up for work. Teenagers who want to develop their reliability should get involved in volunteer activities related to their interests.
This will help them develop responsibility naturally. Youths who prefer sports can coach athletics at an after-school program for kids, while teens who love to read can find volunteer jobs at a local library.
#5. Earning credits
Some high schools require a certain quantity of community service hours before a student is allowed to graduate. Numerous volunteer initiatives might result in credits for high school or college. Before starting volunteer work, it’s crucial to talk about these options with administrators and guidance counselors.
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20 Best Summer Community Service Programs for High School Students
For high school students, the top 20 summer community service are listed below:
- IFRE Volunteers
- Raleigh Expedition
- Arcos Journeys
- Center for Talent Development (CTD) Civic Leadership Institute
- GVI: Volunteering for Teens
- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
- The Experiment in International Living
- Thailand Summer Volunteering Program
- The ISEP Global Engagement program
- Projects Abroad Volunteer Work with Children in Ghana for Teenagers
- Rein Teen Tours
- Young Team Entrepreneur Summer program
- Best Buddies
- Global Leadership Adventures
- United Nations Volunteer
- Translators without borders
- Project Gutenberg
- Civic Education Project
- Medical Internship in Ghana
- Scuba diving and marine conservation in Baja California, Mexico
#1. IFRE Volunteers
You can travel the world while immersing yourself in a new culture thanks to the IFRE Volunteers summer community service programs for high school students.
This significantly enhances your life’s overall satisfaction.
This program is for you if you’ve been looking for the best way to travel at a very low cost while also assisting people who are less fortunate in their daily lives.
#2. Raleigh Expedition
Raleigh Expedition is a global youth engagement initiative that welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds.
For people who may have less time but yet wish to effect long-lasting, sustainable change, this summer community service program is especially created.
It combines project-based experiential learning with in-depth cultural immersion, environmental travel, and significant community involvement.
Through this initiative, young people will be given the tools, networks, and confidence they need to become leaders in their communities.
Volunteers have the chance to alter not just the landscapes and communities in which we serve, but also themselves.
#3. Arcos Journeys
In the tropical Costa Rica, this summer program blends environmental adventure with community service.
You will have the chance to visit the town of Atenas, carry out community work there, and experience local life.
Additionally, there’s a potential that you’ll visit the Arenal Volcano part of the rainforest for activities like horseback riding, ziplining, hiking, and hot springs.
#4. Center for Talent Development (CTD) Civic Leadership Institute
Students can build the leadership qualities they need to change the world through this curriculum, which provides excellent preparation for college and careers.
In order to realize their full potential, students participating in the Leadership Intensive Series study concepts, confront their assumptions, and develop a deeper awareness of their skills and aptitudes.
#5. GVI: Volunteering for Teens
Teenagers under the age of 18 are the only target audience for the GVI summer community service programs.
By participating in community development, marine and wildlife conservation, and cultural immersion programs, they get the chance to learn more about the wider world.
Students in high school can consequently learn how to become global citizens.
There are 11 nations where GVI programs are offered, and they last for one to two weeks.
#6. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
This WWOOF program is the greatest choice for you if you like working on farms.
Through this program, you can connect with organic farmers, assist them on the farm, encourage cross-cultural and cross-educational learning, and create a global community that is aware of ecological farming and sustainable techniques.
You’ll receive support for your sustainability campaign in addition to a free hotel in exchange.
Opportunities are available in more than 100 different nations, and you can negotiate the time commitment with your host.
#7. The Experiment in International Living
For high school students interested in summer abroad programs and virtual cross-cultural interactions, The Experiment in International Living has the greatest experience.
You have the chance to travel the world in an impactful and real way by taking part in this intensive program, while also making lifelong friends through homestays and cultural encounters.
Additionally, you develop important abilities including leadership, group collaboration, intercultural competency, language learning, and problem-solving.
#8. Thailand Summer Volunteering Program
You can experience the genuine Thai way of life while making a meaningful contribution to society through the summer volunteer program in Thailand.
This program is ideal for college students, high school students, and gap year travelers who want to see Thailand responsibly for three weeks.
As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to help Thailand’s needy populations.
You can also work as a volunteer with children in Bangkok and spend time with elephants and mahouts in Surin.
Discover the excitement of a forest walk in Khao Yai National Park, the vibrant markets of Bangkok, indulge in mouthwatering Thai cuisine, and discover how to prepare some traditional recipes.
#9. The ISEP Global Engagement program
Apply to the University of Ghana’s Global Engagement Program through ISEP for a completely new Volunteer Abroad experience.
Community service, independent study, and research projects are just a few of the advantages offered by this program over a normal study abroad experience.
Furthermore, you receive a Twi language course, an internship, a resident director who lives on-site, and excursions.
Although the University of Ghana offers a wide range of courses, those concentrating in resource development, agriculture, social sciences, or public health will stand out from their peers thanks to the unique perspectives they will develop.
#10. Projects Abroad Volunteer Work with Children in Ghana for Teenagers
It will thrill you to participate in this lovely summer community service project.
Take advantage of the chance to volunteer in Ghana’s community and help underprivileged kids while working with peers your own age.
The morning will be spent concentrating on painting the classrooms, and the afternoon will be spent engaging in games and other activities with the young kids.
To encourage a love of reading, you may also create a library nook, paint murals of the ABCs or national flags, or even a number chart.
The paintings you created can be used as classroom resources by neighborhood teachers and other volunteers for years after you have left the care facility.
You will have fun with this program, get to know your classmates, and gain skills that will last a lifetime.
#11. Rein Teen Tours
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for community service is designed to instill self-assurance, maturity, and a love of people.
You will get the opportunity to learn about unfamiliar cultures and concepts.
In general, the advantages of this program go far beyond your typical summer activities.
It will provide you the chance to interact meaningfully with the residents of the several communities you will visit.
Additionally, you will feel content while returning home knowing that your efforts to the community have a long-lasting effect.
#12. Young Team Entrepreneur Summer program
You can either join an existing startup or learn how to create your own one here. Here, you can develop hiring skills, discover how to find customers outside of your immediate area, and hone the inner workings of your business.
Additionally, you learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including how to start your own business and develop your technical, marketing, sales, and product design skills.
Mentors from colleges like Duke, UNC, etc. are available for you to work with directly.
Any program can be viewed online or in person. According to UNC-Chapel Hill, the in-person sessions are held on campus.
#13. Best Buddies
This volunteer program affords you the opportunity to volunteer virtually, while still helping out and learning the valuable skills that come with volunteering.
Here, you could host an interactive virtual chapter or event, or a citizens activity. This could range from leading a virtual yoga class or taking part in arts and craft.
You could also volunteer in mini ambassador workshops as an online speech coach. Some things you’d learn include virtual etiquette, and how to be an advocate on social media.
This program is available to high school students of all ages. You simply input your state, to find virtual volunteer centres near you.
#14. Global Leadership Adventures
Both trip programs and virtual programs are options for this program.
The first choice offers the chance to travel to places and destinations throughout Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and even the United States.
You participate in voluntary work and experiences there that have a profound impact on your life.
The second option provides the Global Impact Virtual Internship, which lets you select a thematic focus area related to your area of interest, participate in activities focused on those areas, and get professional mentoring and advice.
#15. United Nations Volunteer
The UN’s summer volunteering program is a fantastic way to pass the time. It includes numerous volunteering opportunities for skill development and application, such as COVID-19 response.
Promotion and advocacy Writing and editing, community organizing, technology development, arts and design, leadership and strategy, teaching and training, administration, event planning, and volunteer management are all examples of related fields.
Teens of all ages can participate, and registration is open all summer long.
#16. Translators without borders
This volunteer program might be especially helpful if you’re a high school student who is fluent in at least one language.
You can translate materials for medical use or for crisis response here. Fundraising and other abilities like graphic design are also highly welcome.
Teens of all ages can participate, and registration is open all summer long.
#17. Project Gutenberg
By contributing appropriate materials, assisting with the digitization of books, or proofreading other people’s work, you can volunteer on this page.
Since it is a virtual program, it is open to teens of all ages, and summertime volunteering is allowed.
#18. Civic Education Project
This volunteering program is essential in the development of necessary leadership skills. It provides various opportunities such as learning of the various particular issues that affect young people, and get a first-hand experience of addressing them, engage in curriculums which help your views of current social and political situations, as well as allowing for meeting with top leaders and professionals.
The activities and curriculums are divided according to grade. When you log in and register, you can view the different programs and dates available to your grade.
#19. Medical Internship in Ghana
High school students can see doctors in Ghanaian clinical settings through this summer’s medical volunteer program. In essence, volunteers pick up skills for diagnosing, managing, and treating a range of illnesses and medical ailments.
You will be able to take part in outreach programs, treat wounds, assess blood pressure and sugar levels, and aid treat injuries.
By giving presentations on them, you’ll also support efforts to promote health and increase awareness of particular illness issues.
#20. Scuba diving and marine conservation in Baja California, Mexico
With the help of this volunteer program, you may learn to dive, combat climate change, and contribute to the preservation of ocean resources.
Additionally, without prior diving experience, you can obtain a worldwide recognized scuba diving certification.
Only those aged 15 to 18 may use it.
Summer Volunteer Programs for High School Students – Benefits
As a high school student, you can enjoy the following 7 incomparable benefits from volunteering.
- Makes you more compassionate and empathetic
- Helps you acquire new skills
- Best way of networking
- Helps you to be a team worker
- Polishes your leadership skills
- Golden opportunity to travel and explore a new country
- Enhances your self-esteem and make you more confident
#1. Makes you more compassionate and empathetic
We frequently forget that not everyone on this globe is as fortunate as we are since we have such comfortable and caring lives. There are many people who shiver in the cold, sleep with half-full stomachs, live outside, and have never known parental love.
You will develop greater empathy and compassion once you volunteer for a cause and interact with those who are less fortunate. This will make you a better person.
#2. Helps you acquire new skills
You’ll learn new skills while working with others while volunteering, in addition to sharpening your existing ones. If you’re talented at painting, for instance, you could volunteer to teach youngsters how to sketch while simultaneously helping to decorate a shelter with more brilliant colors.
You don’t speak well, though, and you hesitate to participate in a conversation. Your peers may be skilled at it and able to assist you in overcoming your obstacles and assisting you in becoming more outspoken and confident when putting your points.
A number from a TimeBank poll indicates that 73% of top employers are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteer experience over one without.
#3. Best way of networking
As a high school student, volunteering abroad will allow you to meet a lot of people and expand your network. Volunteering is the ideal approach to interact with others and learn about their interests because people of various ages and backgrounds participate.
You can decide what you believe to be valuable for yourself and maintain contact with those you believe can be of assistance to you in the future.
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#4. Helps you to be a team worker
You have the opportunity to join a team that includes members from different countries. You’ll learn how to adapt to the needs of the team and concentrate more on the work than on your own objectives by participating in a volunteer project. It takes a lot of perseverance and is definitely not simple to be a successful team player.
When working alone, you have your entire workspace to yourself, but when working in a team, you must take into account everyone else. You will gain a lot of knowledge about working with people who have different personalities, which will help you as an employee in the future.
#5. Polishes your leadership skills
With more freedom to express yourself than in a regular business, volunteering would allow you to take the initiative on projects that align with your interests and sharpen your leadership abilities.
In order to come up with innovative solutions and ideas, you’ll get to collaborate with others. When you know how to put those concepts into practice, you can. Your career development would undoubtedly benefit from this.
#6. Golden opportunity to travel and explore a new country
With your family, you must have visited various locations and the most popular tourist attractions. However, volunteering abroad would be a fantastic way to start your solo travel adventure because you’d get to travel with locals who may share additional local knowledge with you as you explore.
The majority of the time while you volunteer, you’ll be able to live among the locals and learn more about their history, culture, traditions, way of life, and everything else that possibly no other tourist would ever be able to learn! A unique travel experience is a journey where you volunteer.
#7. Enhances your self-esteem and make you more confident
There is a feel-good factor at work in you when you participate in a charitable endeavor and seek to improve the lives of others. Whatever type of volunteer endeavor you choose, it will increase your self-confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Once you do, you’ll see that you are a step ahead of your friends and that your parents would be pleased of you. Giving back to your host community will be possible while you are volunteering, which is a win-win situation.
Conclusion
In summary, high school students should consider volunteering throughout the summer as a way to develop the skills they’ll need in the future, give back to their community and society, and keep their mental health in check.
FAQs on Summer Community Service Programs for High School Students
IFRE Volunteers
Raleigh Expedition
Arcos Journeys
Center for Talent Development (CTD) Civic Leadership Institute
GVI: Volunteering for Teens
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
The Experiment in International Living
Thailand Summer Volunteering Program
The ISEP Global Engagement program
Projects Abroad Volunteer Work with Children in Ghana for Teenagers
Rein Teen Tours
Young Team Entrepreneur Summer program
Best Buddies
Global Leadership Adventures
United Nations Volunteer
Translators without borders
Project Gutenberg
Civic Education Project
Medical Internship in Ghana
Scuba diving and marine conservation in Baja California, Mexico
Adults can participate in summer volunteer programs, some of which include:
IVHQ
Global Vision International (GVI)
GoEco
The Real Uganda
Oyster Worldwide
Summer volunteer programs for 13 years old are available:
Key Club
Meals on Wheels
Best Buddies
Sierra Club
DoSomething.org
References
- https://www.unitedway.org – why Summer volunteer programs for high school students
- https://worldstudyportal.com – 20 Best summer community service programs for high school students
- https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com – summer volunteer programs for high school students – benefits
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