Looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer break? Volunteering offers high school students a powerful opportunity to develop leadership skills, explore career interests, and stand out in college admissions. In this guide, you’ll learn the top benefits of student volunteering, how it supports your college journey, and how to choose the right volunteer program for your goals.
Benefits of Volunteering for High School Students
1. Enhance Your College Application
Top universities look beyond GPAs and test scores. They want well-rounded students who demonstrate character, initiative, and community involvement. A strong track record of volunteer service can showcase your values and dedication, especially if it aligns with your academic or career interests.
2. Gain Real-World Skills
Volunteering helps teens build essential soft skills—like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. These skills are not only crucial in college but are also valuable in future internships and jobs.
3. Explore Future Career Paths
Want to study medicine? Volunteer at a hospital. Passionate about the environment? Join a cleanup crew or support a nonprofit. Volunteering gives students firsthand experience in potential career fields—an advantage when choosing college majors or writing admissions essays.
4. Connect with Your Community
Volunteering brings people together for a shared cause. You’ll meet peers, mentors, and professionals who can inspire, support, and guide your goals. You may even find a mentor who can write you a great college recommendation letter!
5. Boost Mental Health & Confidence
Studies show volunteering improves mental well-being, builds self-esteem, and promotes a positive outlook. Making a difference—even in small ways—can be incredibly empowering.
Why Colleges Value Student Volunteer Work
Admissions teams at selective schools are looking for more than academic excellence. They seek applicants who show initiative, empathy, resilience, and the potential to lead. Volunteer work offers a glimpse into your passions, personality, and willingness to contribute to a larger cause.
If your volunteer work aligns with your intended major or personal story, it becomes a strong part of your college narrative. It helps admissions officers see how your character matches their campus values.
How to Choose the Right Volunteer Opportunity
Step 1: Match It With Your Interests
Choose a cause that genuinely inspires you—whether it’s education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, or animal welfare. To make the most of your volunteer experience, students are encouraged to consult with their Advisor or Career Specialist, who can provide guidance and help identify meaningful opportunities that align with both personal interests and long-term goals.
At The Dewey Schools, students have access to dedicated support through the University and Career Counselling Center, where they receive personalized guidance on university preparation and future career pathways. Whether exploring study options at top global universities or building a competitive student profile, Dewey students are supported every step of the way. From choosing the right major to strengthening extracurricular involvement and crafting impactful personal statements, our counselors help students highlight their strengths, passions, and unique stories—ensuring they stand out in the college admissions process.
Step 2: Think Long-Term
Colleges prefer depth over quantity. It’s better to volunteer consistently with one organization than to do one-off events.
Step 3: Look for Leadership Roles
Find ways to go beyond basic participation. Lead a project, organize a campaign, or start a small community initiative.
Step 4: Reflect and Track Impact
Keep a journal, take notes, or create a small portfolio to document your achievements. These will come in handy when writing college essays or applying for scholarships.
Conclusion
Volunteering is more than a summer activity—it’s a stepping stone toward personal growth, community impact, and college readiness. Whether you want to gain experience, find your passion, or boost your college application, volunteering puts you on the path to success.
