Kickstarting Your Community Service Journey: Practical Tips for Students

When talking with students and families about the college admissions process, I’m often asked which extracurricular activity is going to “look best” for colleges. My response is usually, “The ‘best’ activity is one the student is going to enjoy or one where the student can experience personal growth.” For many students, service opportunities fit this bill. They’re an excellent way to give back to the community, develop new skills, and strengthen interests. There are plenty of opportunities available but knowing where to start the search can be challenging. Below are some tips to help you find service opportunities.  School Resources Many high schools have service clubs or organizations, such as National Honor Society, Key Club, or student government that coordinate volunteer opportunities. These clubs frequently collaborate with local charities or organize service days where students can participate. Additionally, teachers, counselors, or school administrators might know of local organizations looking for help. I cannot tell you how often, during my time in admissions, I sat in a college counseling office, surrounded by flyers and announcements for local service opportunities. Online Resources Websites like VolunteerMatch allow you to search local service opportunities based on your interest and service area of focus. This site has filters that will help you find activities that align with your interests, as well as a “teen” filter to help you identify opportunities for those under 18.  Virtual volunteering has also become a popular way for students to get involved. The University of Washington has a phenomenal resource of all the ways individuals can give back without having to leave the comfort of home. These opportunities include tutoring kids, creating DIY displays for Habit for Humanity, and helping to make historical collections more accessible. While some of these may be local to the Seattle area, it is a great place to drum up some ideas! You’ll also find virtual opportunities through Be My Eyes, which lets volunteers help visually impaired individuals via video calls, while Khan Academy connects volunteer tutors with students. Giving Back to Your Neighbors Sometimes the best and most impactful service opportunities are right in your own backyard. You can get your CPR certification and offer free babysitting for neighbors, a great opportunity for those interested in both education and medical fields. If you like spending time outdoors, you could volunteer to mow lawns for seniors, start a community clean-up, or join a community garden. You can also find ways to give back to your local food banks by organizing food drives or volunteering in person. Kind acts like these can go a long way and make a direct impact on the people around you. Whether you’re seeking opportunities in your school or community, or looking to start a project of your own, there are numerous ways to get involved. Service opportunities are not just about what looks the “best” for your college applications, but are instead about growing as a person and making a positive impact.