Volunteering with Purpose: A How-To Guide
For high school students, volunteering is a great way to achieve personal growth while making a difference in their community. High school volunteering not only helps students build character and develop social skills, but it also looks impressive on college applications and resumes. In today’s blog post, we explore various types of volunteering opportunities available for students and how to find the most engaging and best-fit opportunities.
Types of Volunteering Opportunities
High school students have a wide range of volunteering opportunities to choose from, such as local charities, nonprofit organizations, community service programs, religious groups, and school-sponsored events. When choosing the right opportunity, it is essential to consider the interests, abilities, and passions of the student. For example, an animal lover might want to volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue center, while a student interested in healthcare might seek hospital volunteer opportunities.
Where to Find the Most Engaging Opportunities
Many volunteering opportunities can be found through local nonprofit organizations and community service programs, such as Habitat for Humanity or the Boys and Girls Club. Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can also provide networking opportunities and connect students with the right organizations and volunteer opportunities. In addition, AtomicMind’s online directory, Discover+, was inspired by our years of experience helping students find and engage in a broad array of purposeful and enriching extracurricular activities, including a wide range of volunteer programs. We also provide Specialists to help you with your search.
What to Look for in a Volunteering Opportunity
When considering volunteering opportunities, students should ask themselves what skills they want to develop, what causes they are passionate about, and what they hope to gain from the experience. It is also essential to find an opportunity that is a good match for the student's personality, interests, and abilities and to research the organization thoroughly and confirm their legitimacy before committing to any position.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering offers numerous benefits for high school students. It provides an opportunity for personal growth and skill development, strengthens social skills and relationships, and fosters a sense of purpose and contribution to the community. Additionally, volunteering is an excellent addition to college applications and resumes, making students stand out to potential employers and universities.
As you can see, volunteering is an enriching experience that can provide students with numerous benefits and opportunities for growth. As students navigate high school and think about their future, volunteering can foster a sense of responsibility towards the community and provide a platform for developing foundational skills. With the right research and dedication, high school students can find the perfect volunteering opportunity to fit their interests and make a difference in the world.