Are you trying to set your teenager up for success? The following volunteer jobs for teenagers offer a variety of ways to learn new skills, give back to the community, and help to build up their resume.
This list was written with high school students and youth in mind. However, some of the places listed below require volunteers to be of a certain age, so be sure to ask what their minimum age requirement is when you contact them.
Interested in PAID jobs for your teen? Read Jobs for 14 and 15 Year Old Teens.
Volunteer Jobs for Teenagers
Red Cross Club
The Red Cross Club is an entire section of the American Red Cross dedicated to youth and volunteering.
The Red Cross provides lifesaving blood and blood products as well as educational, development, and relief programs. Currently, youth and young adults represent over 25% of the volunteer workforce.
Youth club members can help the Red Cross in a number of roles including raising funds, participating in events and teaching. Members will also be able to take on leadership roles.
Ask your child’s school if they already have a Red Cross Club your child can join. If they do, your child can start making a difference today!
If there isn’t a program at your child’s school, your teenager (13+) can also start their own club. To register, they will need to create a Volunteer Connection profile.
After creating a profile, click on “My Chapter” in the menu bar and select “Red Cross Club Registration.” Then, fill out the form and it will be sent to a Red Cross Club Administrator for approval.
For more information, visit RedCrossYouth.org
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is known for building homes for people who cannot afford to buy a home.
They offer volunteer opportunities for people starting at the age of 5! However, the volunteer jobs for teenagers are the coolest (at least, I think so!) Youth in high-school will be able to help build homes, help with events, act as leaders, and more!
Habitat for Humanity is unique to other charities because they offer the chance to learn how to use tools – an important life skill!
To learn more, find your local habitat.
Feeding America
Feeding America distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food banks. They rely heavily on volunteers to help collect and give food to people in need.
When I contacted Feeding America, they told me that their age requirements vary by location. So if you are interested in helping, Find your local Feeding America food bank and ask if your teenager can help.
Homeless Shelters
The Homeless Shelter Directory allows you to search for local homeless shelters. This directory is dedicated to “helping the needy of America.” Call around your local shelters and ask how your teenager can volunteer.
Many areas have soup kitchens that always need help serving food or washing dishes.
Food Pantries
Another resource for communities is foodpantries.org. Here you can find all sorts of food-related programs such as food banks, local pantries, soup kitchens and food shelves in your local community.
Hospitals or Skilled Nursing Care Centers
When I was 15, I had a grandmother in a nursing home. I ended up volunteering to spend more time with her and help others at the same time.
My time was spent mostly bringing people their food trays and cleaning, however, the experience was so rewarding. I felt like I was really making their lives a little better.
Teenagers looking to volunteer in the caretaking field may find that these types of jobs are extra rewarding.
Teens will do a variety of tasks in nursing care centers. For instance, they may be asked to help with meals, giving directions, cleaning, office work, working in gift shops, or just talking to a patient.
Local Libraries
Ask your local library if they need volunteers. A lot of libraries love to have volunteers to help with after school programs, cleaning, or checking out books.
Animal Shelters
Does your teenager love animals? There aren’t many shelters that will turn down volunteers. In fact, many of the people you see working at shelters are volunteers!
Most animal shelters require teenagers to be at least 16 years old. Job duties at an animal shelter would be cleaning kennels and dishes, feeding the animals, and walking dogs.
Despite having to clean up smelly messes, working at a shelter can be a ton of fun and educational.
Animals aren’t just limited to dogs and cats either. Our local shelter is home to many animals such as guinea pigs, rats, ferrets, and sometimes even pigs! Oink!
Contact your local animal shelter for more information
Statistics say that when a person volunteers, they are happier with their lives. That’s because you can make new friends, build relationship skills, self-confidence, and feel like you have left a positive mark on this planet. In addition, if family bonds are likely to get stronger if your whole family commits to volunteering together.
By encouraging your teenager to volunteer, you are setting them up for a successful future.
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