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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