How Volunteering Benefits High School and College Students

For both high school and college students, volunteering for a worthy cause not only benefits local communities but also helps develop valuable skills useful in both educational and professional settings.

Below are four reasons why volunteering is one of the most helpful and fulfilling activities for students looking to stand out and advance in school or the workplace.

Resume Building

The opportunities for high schoolers to significantly contribute to their work experience is limited. Volunteering is one way to address this, as it shows college admissions counselors high levels of engagement and character. For college students, volunteering demonstrates strong work ethic, and is a great way to show an interest in a particular field or industry. 

Networking

By volunteering, students have the chance to work with other people who likely share common interests and aspirations. These connections have the potential to develop into friendships and professional connections that can act as valuable resources throughout one’s professional life.

Leadership

Often, student volunteers learn the importance of collaboration by working together as members of a larger group. In educational settings, sometimes students are put in charge of looking after younger children. When given this type of responsibility, students can act as positive role models and learn how their actions can inspire others.

Career Exploration

By choosing opportunities that align with their interests, students can use volunteering experiences to explore potential career paths. Exposure to both the work environment and industry professionals can provide valuable insight into the expectations and realities of the job while connecting students to potential mentors in the field.

"I have been given the opportunity to work for Camp Invention for the past 3 years. Each time this opportunity ignites my passion for working with kids and helping others. I just went from being a communications major to being undecided, but after talking to the various teachers and helping with the kids, I am going to check out an education major. Being a Leadership Intern at this camp serves as a wonderful opportunity to work with kids and get out into the community."

-Natalee Stewart, Leadership Intern

Created exclusively for high school and college students, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® Leadership Intern program is a valuable summer internship program that gives volunteers the opportunity to inspire young Camp Invention® and Invention Project® participants to become the next generation of innovators.

Below are just a few of the many benefits of volunteering with us over the summer:

• Improve your resume by earning 40 volunteer or service hours in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education program
• Receive a personalized letter from the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Gain valuable experience working in a classroom environment and the opportunity to network with teachers and like-minded peers
• Learn techniques to inspire creativity in others
• Gain an increased awareness of personal leadership strengths and receive feedback from adult team members
• Develop an understanding of intellectual property concepts and their connection to future economic prosperity

To learn more about our one-of-a-kind volunteer experience and to sign up for the summer, visit our website!