6 Volunteering Ideas That Look Good on a College Application

The summer break provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to develop personal skills and gain valuable experience before beginning the college admissions process.

Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a difference in the community while also impressing colleges students may apply to.

This blog explores six creative volunteering ideas for students and highlights their benefits and how they can help students stand out on their college applications.

What Is a Student Volunteer?

A student volunteer is a high school student who engages in unpaid work to contribute to a cause or organization. Student volunteers often support various businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Common locations where students can volunteer include hospitals, libraries, animal shelters, community centers, and local charities. These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and demonstrate their commitment to service.

6 Creative Ideas for Summer Volunteers

Volunteering during the summer can be an enriching and fulfilling experience for high school students. Here are six creative volunteering ideas that students can explore:

No. 1 Teach English as a Second Language

High school students with strong language skills can volunteer through local language groups or community centers to help teach English to non-native speakers. This opportunity allows students to make a significant impact by helping others improve their language skills, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

Nonprofit organizations like RefuNet and English Online have straightforward applications and can get students teaching online in as little as a week. Keep in mind that some companies may require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification to teach English.

No. 2 Lead a Fundraiser

By fundraising for a nonprofit organization they’re passionate about, high school students can build essential leadership skills. Fundraising can take many creative forms, such as organizing a charity run or hosting a bake sale. Students will have to manage (or delegate) the aspects of the planning process, such as marketing the event, coordinating the event’s time and location, managing attendees, setting up necessary equipment, and handling the finances.

Here are a few creative fundraising ideas that students have facilitated in the past:

• Scavenger hunt
• Comedy night
• Karaoke night
• Yard sale
• Trivia night

No. 3 Start an Unpaid Tutoring Gig

High-performing students can offer their expertise by providing unpaid tutoring services in subjects in which they excel. Similar to teaching English, tutoring peers or younger students not only helps students academically but also demonstrates leadership, empathy, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Math, science, and English have the highest demand for tutors at the high school level.

Students can start by marketing their tutoring services on high school social media, such as a Facebook group or Instagram page. Students can also collaborate with school faculty members or departments as an effective way to get other students to sign up.

No. 4 Start a Political or Advocacy Campaign

Starting civic engagement early is a great time investment for students interested in current events or politics. If the student is interested in a career that focuses on political or legal involvement, starting a political campaign on a cause they’re passionate about can be a transformative experience.

There are numerous examples of youth-led campaigns, such as the Sunrise Movement and March for Our Lives, further proving that students can not only impact policy, but start advocating at an early age.

The first step is to identify a specific topic of passion, such as climate change or law reform. At the heart of every organization is a goal, so it’s essential to identify what the goal is early on. Then the student should brainstorm the expected outcome for their group, whether it’s policy reform, awareness, or raising funds.

After these steps, the student can research similar groups, potentially to collaborate with them or seek support. The student can also begin marketing their group and finding members to join.

No. 5 Provide Social Media Services to Local Nonprofits

A study recently found that approximately 90% of people aged 13-17 have used social media. It’s no surprise that students have naturally adept digital skills. As a way to leverage these abilities, high school students might consider volunteering their time as social media managers.

By developing engaging content, implementing marketing strategies, and expanding the organization’s online presence, students can help raise awareness about important social issues and contribute to the nonprofit’s mission.

No. 6 Build Care Packages for Those in Need

In 2020, a group of teens saw how the pandemic negatively affected the homeless community and decided to counteract it with the Brown Bag Project. Through GoFundMe donations, this nonprofit packed hygiene products, socks, and nonperishable items for people in need.

This is just one example of many successful care package charities created by high school students throughout the world.

Students can assemble essential items like toiletries, clothing, and nonperishable food and distribute them to organizations serving these populations. This act of kindness demonstrates empathy, generosity, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

Why Should Students Volunteer During Summer Break?

Volunteering takes time, effort, and usually a considerable amount of work. However, volunteering can also boost a student’s personal values, compassion, self-esteem, and satisfaction. A study found that volunteering led to an 8.54% increase in mental well-being.

Many people involved with volunteering consider it a gift that keeps on giving; not only do the efforts improve the quality of life for the recipients, the volunteers get a greater sense of purpose while building essential skills.

Students Can Enhance Their Work Ethic

Gaining a sense of self-reliance is an invaluable asset for future jobs and a lifelong professional career. Student volunteers may gain a sense of purpose and independence in their work, improving their ability to perform well under various circumstances and confidently take on future challenges.

Volunteering during summer break allows students to develop the various aspects of a strong work ethic, including:

• responsibility
• commitment
• meeting deadlines
• focus
• motivation

These experiences foster a sense of accountability and teach students valuable skills that will benefit them in college and future careers.

Students Can Give Back to Their Community

Volunteering provides an opportunity for students to give back to their community. By actively participating in community service, they become agents of positive change and contribute to the well-being of those around them.

Knovva Academy alum Shrey began the nonprofit Akansha shortly after his experience at Model G20. Shrey likened Akansha to the Uber of nonprofits, distributing educational materials to those in need. He said, “I think everyone deserves a platform to attain a quality, accessible, and affordable education.”

Students Can Discover Their Passions

Through volunteering, students can explore different fields and causes, helping them discover their passions and interests. They can gain exposure to diverse industries, develop new skills, and learn about various social issues. These experiences can guide them in making informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

Students Can Stand Out on College Applications

Volunteer experience holds great value on college applications. Admissions officers appreciate students who demonstrate a genuine commitment to service and community engagement.

Volunteering showcases qualities such as leadership, empathy, teamwork, and a dedication to making a positive impact. It can differentiate students from other applicants and strengthen their college applications.

Students might also choose to write about their volunteer experiences in the college essay, offering a unique story that can illustrate their personal values.

Learn More About Volunteering Experience

Volunteering during the summer break offers numerous benefits for high school students. It allows them to develop essential skills, contribute to their community, explore their passions, and enhance their college applications.

Encouraging students to engage in volunteer work not only provides them with valuable experiences but also instills a lifelong commitment to service and social responsibility.