For many high schoolers, community service hours are required. Even if it isn’t a requirement for your school, doing volunteer work is valuable for personal and professional growth. It even has mental and physical benefits. Community service gives you the opportunity to give back to your local community while meeting new people along the way. The people you meet while volunteering are connections you’ll have for the future. Additionally, community service will look good on your college applications and résumé. You might host community service projects that benefit others or help local organizations; either way, these ideas will show initiative and make a difference.
What is community service in high school?
Community service is work that you do to improve your community or support a group of people. Since you are volunteering your time, you do not get paid for it. From virtual to in-person volunteering, there are many ways to help.
Select an activity that you would like to do. For instance, if your career ambition is to be a vet, try volunteering at an animal shelter. If education is your passion, consider mentoring or tutoring younger students. Getting involved in service that relates to your passions demonstrates to colleges that your service pursuits are something that really matters.
Some groups have age limitations, so check ahead. Rule of thumb, 50-200 hours of community service is impressive to college admissions. Create a spreadsheet or log if your school does not offer a form.
For inspiration, watch this GoFundMe video about a teen club that makes and sends homemade cards to families with children in hospitals.
In-person community service ideas
Looking for in-person volunteer opportunities? Try one of these ideas in your school or community center.