Opening Doors Through Community Service

As I'm doing presentations for juniors throughout Palm Beach County, Florida we discuss their involvement in extracurriculars and linking those interests to the colleges that they decide to put on their "College List."  The other factor that comes into play, is how does this involvement contribute to a winning application and how to express their involvement so that colleges "read their passions" through their extracurricular and community service involvement.  Here's an article I wrote this month for "The Inside Track" newsletter. 

 

Opening Doors Though Community Service 

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a difference—change lives, support a cause, or improve your community. Volunteerism makes you feel good about yourself, and is its own reward.  However, you will gain skills through your altruistic efforts. You get to develop your leadership style, hone your job-readiness skills, create a network of new friends and connect to businesses, schools, or other community-based organizations. You’ll explore career options, and (don’t forget the all-important) establish a powerful resume.  Your passion for helping others provides colleges with evidence of your strong character, commitment and motivation.  I’ve seen instances where community service involvement has generated “winning” college essays and more than that, students have really learned about their own abilities by doing good things for others. You will always get far more out of these experiences than you give!

This is not the place for the “Rebel without a Cause.”  Pick a cause that’s really reflective of your interests, that demonstrates who you are and then--stick with it.  It’s never too early to get involved, so start in middle or high school to explore your options. Look around your community, your school, your peer group--is there something needed that hasn’t been addressed before?  You can join existing community service groups or venture out on your own to “right a wrong” or help others help themselves.  Be inventive, creative, and resourceful, then-- actualize your dreams.  Thinking about it doesn’t “make it happen.”  What college or university wouldn’t want a student on their campus with those traits?

If you have a career goal, think about getting involved in community service activities that “mesh” with your “brand.”  We’ve talked about developing a marketing brand before as you approach your applications, here’s your chance to demonstrate your interests and gain “real-life” experience in your stated career zone.

Scholarship opportunities are abundant for the student who has demonstrated a commitment to their community service over time. Communities, corporations and individuals have established rewards for the student who stands out.  Inside Track To College puts together a monthly scholarship list of over 30 pages.  Many of those scholarships include Community Service as a component.  These scholarships are targeted to those who have a true passion for service. While many local high school and districts require service as part of the regular curriculum, to qualify for a community service scholarship, you’ll need to go above and beyond basic hour requirements. 

Scholarship committees will want to see proof of service, hear from references, and have an idea that you are committed to continuing service into the future. Typically winners of these awards began early in their high school careers and dedicate hours weekly throughout the year. We’re not talking about a one-time “Race For The Cure”. The kind of volunteerism that wins awards is sustained and genuine.

In addition to specific school-based scholarships, national scholarship opportunities are available, but the competition is tough. Here is a website for national scholarships available to high school students who are deeply involved in community service:  Fastweb.com and I recommend that all of the students that I work with sign up and complete a mini-profile to get scholarships delivered to their email everyday!

 

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