The Power of Giving Back: Aligning Summer Volunteer Work with Your Application & Values!
For private school applicants, a strong community or volunteer portfolio can make an impact in their admissions process. Private schools frequently look to accept students who represent strong character and are committed to making an impact on their community. One of the most sincere ways to build a community service portfolio is by taking advantage of summer volunteer opportunities and giving back!
Why Private Schools Value Community Service
Private schools want their community of students to not only be strong academically, but strong in character. Students who offer their time to the community demonstrate their initiative, empathy, and their willingness to serve others. Having empathy for the others is one major factor that independent schools value and want their students to also value, so that their school can have a strong community.
Where to Find Summer Volunteer Opportunities
If your student is interested in growing their community outreach this summer, here are a few ideas for different types of organizations to consider when looking for an opportunity. For an added bonus, don’t miss out on some of the websites we think are good for locating volunteer positions—see below!
Local Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations typically have summer volunteer opportunities your student can participate in. Non-profits vary widely in focus. From environmental to educational causes, there’s bound to be an organization that your student will find interesting. To find one your student would feel passionate about helping, have them start by researching local organizations in your area. After they’ve found one of interest to them, have them reach out to inquire about summer opportunities. Creating and sharing their student resume is a great way to put their best foot forward as they pursue what interests them most!
Healthcare Centers
Volunteering in healthcare can be a meaningful experience. Your student’s duties might involve anything from administrative work to greeting patients. However your student is involved, volunteering in this type of setting shows your student can handle compassion, empathy, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
Summer Camps and Youth Programs
Summer camps often rely on volunteers to run their programs. Many volunteers are involved with mentoring, organizing and leading activities, and one-on-one time with children. Volunteering at a camp shows that your student has leadership skills, the ability to work with others, and cares about creating great experiences for the children in your community. For many students, the first step is to volunteer as a Junior Counselor in Training (Jr. CIT), often accompanied by robust training in personal development, leadership and other skills. Local YMCA camps offer great opportunities in this field!
Environmental Conservation Projects
If your student is passionate about any environmental causes, consider helping them find a local group they can support this summer. Some of the projects they may be involved in are planting trees, gardening, and restoring natural habitats. Your student’s participation in this group shows they have an interest in protecting the planet.
There are several reputable websites where you can find local volunteer opportunities. Here are some that we have utilized when helping our clients explore community service options:
Volunteer Match: VolunteerMatch is one of the largest and most well-known platforms for finding volunteer opportunities. You can search for opportunities based on your location, interests, and availability. They have a wide range of nonprofit organizations and causes listed.
Idealist: Idealist is a platform that connects people with nonprofit organizations, volunteer opportunities, and job listings. You can search for volunteer opportunities based on location and specific areas of interest. They also provide resources and information for individuals interested in social impact and community involvement.
Do Something: DoSomething is a platform geared towards young people and offers volunteer opportunities specifically targeted at youth activism. They focus on social change and provide a range of campaigns and initiatives addressing various issues. You can search for opportunities based on cause and location.
All for Good: All for Good is a platform powered by Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization. It aggregates volunteer opportunities from various sources and allows you to search based on location and interests. The platform aims to make it easy for individuals to find volunteer opportunities and get involved.
Not only are summer volunteer opportunities important for private schools, but they will help your student discover their passions. Encourage your student to volunteer with an organization they might not have previously been involved with. This will help them learn more about what they truly enjoy doing and get a sense of all the ways they can help their community. And a gentle reminder, remember to ensure you and your student check the credibility and authenticity of the organizations and opportunities listed on any websites. It's always a good idea to research the organizations further, read reviews, and contact them directly to ensure the opportunities align with your child’s interests and goals.
However your student chooses to get involved this summer, we’re sure they will find a variety of opportunities locally! If you need help adding your student’s volunteer experience to a private school application in the fall, let us know!