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Getting Involved in Volunteer and Community Service

Scholarship committees like to see that you volunteer in your community. Even if you can only spend one hour a week or once a month, volunteering will not only boost your self-esteem but will also boost your chances at receiving a scholarship.

Volunteering offers valuable life experience and skills. These skills could be a helpful factor in determining your college major or career. Volunteering not only helps others but it can help you too! You get experience plus you get to meet a lot of great people in the process. Volunteering is a way of networking and meeting friends!

But before you start, ask yourself these questions to make sure you get the right volunteering position for you.

• How much time do I have to commit?
• Do I want long-term, short-term or a one-day assignment?
• What talent or skill do I have to offer?
• Do I want to work alone or in a group?
• With whom do I want to work?

Now that you have answered all these questions you are ready to get started!

• Coaching young kids sports teams
• Park and beach clean-ups
• Volunteer at the library, at a local church or animal shelter
• Tutor young children or join a Big Brother/Sister program
• Volunteer at senior citizen centers
• Volunteer at a homeless shelter or a food pantry
• Contact your local United Way
• Contact your local Red Cross www.redcross.org
• www.impactonline.org
• www.handsonportland.org
  

• Get involved in student clubs
• Run for student government
• Apply for “Talent Grant” positions at the College Center
• Join the College’s Student Outreach team