Community Service Scholarships And Impacting Ways To Volunteer
Community Service Scholarships And Impacting Ways To Volunteer
Community service scholarships might be a fantastic way to lower the cost of college. You can further your education by giving back to the society.
High school students have an amazing opportunity to contribute to their education and improve their communities at the same time through community service scholarships.
Not only does it feel good to give back to your community, but did you know that it can also result in your child being awarded lucrative scholarships for their college education?
High school students participating in community service may be awarded multiple scholarships. Scholarships for community service usually recognize students who have given their time and energy to bettering their communities.
Well, check out the advantages and a provided list of some of the available community service scholarships.
The Advantages of Volunteering in the Community
1. College Scholarships
One of the main motivators for high school students to participate in community service is scholarships. To honor students for their dedication to serving their communities, numerous organizations and universities offer scholarships for community service.
These community service scholarships can greatly lower the cost of college tuition while simultaneously serving as a means of encouraging students to give back.
2. Creating an Effective College Application
Colleges are looking for individuals who are more than just academically gifted. By performing community service, your child can demonstrate their commitment to improving their community and their diligence, accountability, and positive outlook.
While volunteering is a requirement for the majority of high school students, some volunteer activities might help your youngster stand out. For instance, students can take on leadership positions, start a high-impact service project, and demonstrate their dedication to a specific cause or organization over many years.
3. Gaining Experience in Leadership
Serving the community frequently entails leadership. Engaging in activities such as organizing a food drive, managing a cleaning crew, or serving as a mentor to younger pupils can teach your child valuable leadership lessons.
In addition to helping with community service, these abilities, such as problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork, also prepare them for leadership positions in college and beyond.
4. Developing Compassion and Empathy
High school students are exposed to other viewpoints and the difficulties that other people encounter when they participate in community service.
Your child will develop empathy and compassion as a result of this first-hand experience, making them more compassionate and understanding people. These attributes are highly prized by institutions in addition to being necessary for personal development.
5. Examining Potential Career Interests
High school students might explore possible career interests through community service. They can learn a great deal about their chosen career pathways or even uncover ones they never considered by volunteering in fields related to their intended majors or future careers.
Having this practical experience will enable students to choose a college degree and career route with greater knowledge.
6. Development and Satisfaction on a Personal Level
Ultimately, performing community service improves your self-esteem and aids in your personal development. Your child will be pleased with themselves for contributing to the betterment of their town.
They may feel happier and more confident all around as a result of feeling like they are accomplishing something worthwhile and will be more equipped for college.
A study that was featured in TIME magazine claims that children who volunteer and are 12 years of age or older have a 25% lower chance of experiencing anxiety than children who do not volunteer.
7. Improved Scholarship Essay
When volunteering, your child can develop strong leadership qualities that can help them create a scholarship essay that stands out. College admissions officers and scholarship committees are curious about your child’s life events that have shaped their personality.
Available Community Service Scholarships
- GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship: Outstanding high school seniors who exhibit excellent leadership and community involvement are eligible to apply for this prize. Scholars who want to pay for education can make up to $40,000.
- Eagle Scout Scholarships: The National Eagle Scout Association, which emphasizes community service, may offer scholarships to your child if they are an Eagle Scout or hope to be one. The Boys Scouts of America (formerly known as Scouts BSA) started allowing girls to join. Girls can now earn Eagle Scouts as members.
- Kiwanis Scholarships: Scholarships from Kiwanis International are available to high school students who participate in Key Club, a student-run volunteer group.
- The Prudential Emerging Visionaries: This nationwide initiative honors students who demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities by “finding real solutions to real problems.”
- The winners will earn scholarships worth up to $15,000 in addition to a trip to Prudential’s New Jersey headquarters.
- Rotary Club Scholarships: Scholarships are given by numerous Rotary Clubs to students who participate actively in community service initiatives.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), which provide youth prepared to change the world with intense leadership experiences, may also be sponsored by your local Rotary. Consult the Rotary Club in your community.
- The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes: This award honors children and young adults (8 to 18 years old) who have significantly improved the lives of others and the environment. The winners get a financial grant to help with their service or education activity.
- Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship: High school seniors who exhibit financial need, leadership, and scholarship are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Scholarships from $1,000 to $7,500 are available from them annually.
Impacting Ways to Volunteer
High school students can enhance their chances of receiving scholarships and getting into college by volunteering in meaningful positions.
Launch a Project with a Social Impact
Start your initiative or effort for community service. Make a plan to address a local issue that you are passionate about.
Starting a local charity, planning a neighborhood clean-up, or launching a youth-led literacy campaign are all examples of taking the initiative to lead a project and demonstrating commitment and leadership.
Youth Advocacy Groups
Participate in young advocacy groups that promote environmental preservation, human rights, and social justice. These organizations frequently run campaigns, plan events, and take part in grassroots activity, providing chances to support worthy causes and hone leadership abilities.
Using the Arts to Change Society
Incorporate community service with your artistic abilities. You might plan concerts, theater plays, or art exhibits to promote awareness of important social concerns like mental health disorders. Advocacy and creativity are demonstrated when the arts are used to motivate change.
Environmental Stewardship
Take part in or initiate local environmental efforts. Engaging in eco-friendly activities, community gardening, or tree planting are examples of ways you can demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability. These encounters demonstrate your enthusiasm for changing the world for the better and your leadership abilities.
Tech for Good
Use your technological expertise to benefit society. Volunteer for companies that require help with data analysis, app development, or website development. These contributions support causes that are important to you while showcasing your technical prowess.
Youth Mentorship Programs
In the areas where you shine, assist younger students. Mentoring demonstrates leadership and a commitment to seeing others succeed. It can take many forms, such as guiding college preparation, coaching in sports or the arts, or tutoring in a particular subject.
It’s important to document your volunteer efforts, including the number of hours you put in and the difference you made (e.g. if you were able to get a company fifteen percent more Instagram followers).
Additionally, endeavor to assume leadership positions wherever you can, as doing so will significantly increase your chances of receiving scholarships.
Where to Look for Opportunities to Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities can be found by students at their school, a local library, a senior center, a hospital, or a religious organization. If they have any recommendations, they can also ask their friends, family, or school counselor.
Note: High school students can locate a variety of volunteer opportunities that fit their interests, talents, and schedules by using these resources and websites. If traveling to a location is challenging, think about helping virtually.
The following websites can assist you in locating opportunities:
- VolunteerMatch
- Idealist
- DoSomething.org
- Points of Light (digital volunteering opportunities)
How to Find Scholarships for Community Service
Make Some Inquiries
Look for scholarships online using scholarship search engines like ours. Ask your high school guidance counselor for suggestions. Also, check with local organizations and non-profits in your area.
Examine the fine print
A particular amount of community service hours could be necessary for some. Others can have academic requirements or a GPA. Verify that you fulfill every requirement. Every scholarship has specific restrictions.
Deadlines for Applications
Be mindful of deadlines. Make advance plans because some scholarships have early deadlines. It may be worth it to even submit your applications before the deadline is due, don’t wait to be late.
Your Essay Is Important
Students in high school can utilize their essays to describe how their experiences performing community service have improved them as individuals.
They can relate experiences and anecdotes from their volunteer work that demonstrate their growth in empathy, responsibility, and caring.
When composing these essays, keep in mind that scholarship committees value accounts of students overcoming obstacles as well as instances in which they experienced significant epiphanies or “aha moments.”
