Why Community Service is Good for Teens

April 24, 2023

By Gigi Walravens

October 2023

Community service is an essential way for students to explore their interests, show colleges what they believe in, and define a possible career path. By engaging in volunteer work, teens have an opportunity to learn experientially. They discover where their passions lie while undertaking “feel good” projects that truly make a difference. These experiences allow them to make more informed choices about college and career options as well as instilling a lifelong interest in giving back.

Even though I consider myself a good person, community service was less emphasized when I was a kid. Today, I am often impressed by the teens I know. They are not just helping their neighbor with the groceries or babysitting for free. They are building houses, delivering meals, singing for the elderly, and more. They realize that community service has the potential to be life changing in more ways than one.

The Personal Benefits of Teen Volunteering

• • Develops an increased sense of social responsibility—a global view of society and a heart for “giving back” and helping others.

• • Exposes teens to diversity and multiculturalism.

• • Provides an opportunity to apply academic learning to real human needs.

• • Builds relationships and “social connectedness” with peers, adults, and activists sharing a cause.
  • Improves communication and critical thinking skills.

The College Admissions Benefits of Teen Volunteering

• • Helps students stand out among other applicants; admissions officers want well rounded co-eds who volunteer; service work is a leading decision-making factor after a student’s GPA and SAT scores.
  • Provides a topic of interest for college essays; emphasis on “why” and “how” a student has tackled an issue.

The Career Benefits of Teen Volunteering

• • Helps students find their passions and interests that may lead to a career choice they may have not considered.

• • Helps develop lifelong interpersonaland communication skills.

Community service is an essential way for students to explore their interests, show colleges what they believe in, and define a possible career path. By engaging in volunteer work, teens have an opportunity to learn experientially. They discover where their passions lie while undertaking “feel good” projects that truly make a difference. These experiences allow them to make more informed choices about college and career options as well as instilling a lifelong interest in giving back.