Community Service
High school community service is something that nearly every college hopeful should explore. Students can take part in various projects during his or her time in high school. It’s not only a factor that almost all colleges and universities will consider; it also leads to other potential opportunities, ranging from scholarships to awards to honors certificates.
The basics
There are many forms of high school community service that are available to the eager and attentive. The traditional forms of community service are like food banks and public entities. They offer a simple way for students to help the surrounding area and donate time to improve the immediate well being of others.
Where to start?
There is a plethora of service opportunities available to high school students. Students who take advantage of them not only strengthen their resume, but also do something positive for the community. That is the greatest thing about high school community service! For most applicants, it’s a way to give back, and possibly get professional experience.
Do you need help searching for options? Empowerly can help. We have a database and a team of researchers to craft a short list of your favorites. Whether it be volunteering one time at a local food bank or taking time to help out with the local libraries weekly, there is no shortage of causes.
Consider your field
In addition, there are often volunteering opportunities that are directly related to potential fields you might want to study in college. For pre-med students, check out local hospitals and medical research facilities for high school community service opportunities. These can happen both during the summer and throughout the school year. Students will get community service hours, as well as valuable experience that extends way beyond regular high school exposure. Getting early exposure to the medical field and its very unique facets is a rare opportunity.
How you can contribute
High school community service opportunities that give field experience are not exclusively limited to just the medical field either. Law firms are also a great way for any aspiring lawyers to get an early look into the practice of law and shadow the day-to-day of life of a professional. While there is the common stereotype of the “coffee volunteer or intern,” there’s more to it if a volunteer is attentive and helps with meetings and asks his or her supervisor for more exposure to litigation.
Conclusion
Community service that gives professional experience not only helps the community in the long run by training future professionals, but also give the students that face time that is needed to determine if they really want to pursue that field in college. Whether it be either of the two options, it’s a no brainer that students should try to get involved in community service. Outside of getting the minimum hours for college admissions, it’s a great way to build a student both as a person and as a future employee.
Madeleine Karydes