What type of Volunteering jobs high school juniors should do?
While community service isn’t required for your college applications, showing that you care about others and can take the initiative is nothing but positive during the college admissions process. Having a strong volunteer record proves that you are mature, empathetic, and able to see how your actions affect the world. Additionally, if you can find a volunteer opportunity that complements your passions and interests, you can show admissions officers the extent of your commitment to your career aspirations.
As you think about volunteering, think about the problems you want to solve and the skills you want to practice, not only now, but as you continue down your chosen career path.
Best Summer Volunteer Programs for High School Students
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education within the United States. They have a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from helping with blood drives to assisting with disaster relief efforts.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a national organization that provides meals to homebound seniors who are unable to cook for themselves. Volunteers can help deliver meals, provide companionship, and assist with administrative tasks.
National Parks Service
The National Parks Service is responsible for maintaining and protecting the national parks and historic sites in the United States. Volunteers can assist with conservation efforts, trail maintenance, and other activities.
Hospitals and Nursing Homes
Hospitals and nursing homes are ideal volunteer opportunities for aspiring doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. You probably can’t work directly with patients, but some hospitals might let you be a candy striper or another type of volunteer. You might deliver meals, do data entry, change sheets, or help out around the office.
This type of volunteering is perfect for high schoolers planning to declare a pre-med track, a natural science major, or anything related to care—including therapy, social work, or education.
Schools
Aspiring educators might enjoy volunteering at their school or others in the area. You can tutor younger students or help with activities in after-school programs. A good place to start when looking for education-related volunteer opportunities is talking to people in your community. This means reaching out to some of your elementary school teachers and asking your friends about which after-school programs and educational summer camps they attended when they were younger.
Libraries
Volunteering at a library should appeal to literary types, writers, and avid readers. This way, you get to be around books frequently. Tasks might include shelving books, assisting librarians with miscellaneous tasks, doing paperwork, or working with patrons.
Animal shelters
Animal shelters provide care and temporary housing for animals in need of homes. Volunteers can help care for animals, socialize with them, and assist with administrative tasks.
Environmental organizations
Environmental organizations work to protect and conserve the natural environment. Volunteers can help with conservation efforts, environmental education, and other activities.
Community theaters
Community theaters provide opportunities for community members to participate in theater productions. Volunteers can assist with performances, events, and administrative tasks.
How Important is Community Service for College Applications?
Many people think colleges want to see hundreds of hours of volunteering, but they just want to see students who care about their communities and contribute to them in a unique way. It’s less about quantity and more about quality.
