10 Community Service Ideas for High School Students

High school is a time of fast-paced social and educational growth, but it's also time to give back. Many high schools require teenagers to log community service hours before qualifying for graduation. Specific definitions of community service will differ and some schools partner with local businesses and non-profit organizations so students can earn hours toward graduation. My daughter attends a school of choice that allows students to volunteer in a wide range of community settings.

Local Thrift Store. Some thrift stores are run for profit and others partner with non-profit organizations. Hope Chest, a thrift store in my community, partners with a shelter for battered women. Many store employees are volunteers.

Community Clean Up. Grab a trash bag and walk the streets of your town picking up trash. Some communities plan clean-up days when town members gather for one, huge cleaning surge, but high school students don't have to wait for an official cleaning day.

Food Pantry. Food pantries collect food from donations and state support and push that food into the community; helping low-income families. Many food pantries allow high school students to volunteer sorting food donations.

Soup Kitchen. When high school students volunteer in soup kitchens, they often see a different side of life that is unfamiliar. Soup kitchens service free food during set hours. High school volunteers typically work on the serving line, but other volunteer jobs may be available.

Pet Shelter. There are tons of reasons why an animal can end up in a pet shelter and none of them are the fault of the animal. Local pet shelters provide care, food and shelter for pets while workers search for a permanent home. Volunteers often feed animals, clean cages and help out with exercise time.

First Responder Program. My brother introduced me to the First Responder program available at some elementary schools. First Responders typically have a background in fire or EMT programs, but specific requirements will differ from one school to the next. High school students interested in being a First Responder may need to take a CPR and First Aid class.

Adult Reading Program. Not every adult makes it through high school with a diploma. Some make it through and never learn to read. Adult reading programs partner volunteers with adults seeking reading instruction. Programs are typically held in local libraries.

Children's Reading Program. The children's reading program is similar to the adult reading program, but high school volunteers earn community service hours reading to children. Story times are often scheduled at local libraries.

Adopt A Highway. The Adopt A Highway program is a popular community service program. Individuals cannot adopt a stretch of highway, but high school students can volunteer to help a business currently responsible for a stretch.

Blogging for Awareness. Your high school student is spending hours every week volunteering in multiple community service programs, but what do they have to show for it? Talk to your teen about starting a high school community service blog. The blog will serve as a collection of memories and a useful resource for other high school students looking for community service opportunities.

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