For many people, college is a time of self-discovery. It is a period filled with learning, but not all of their newfound knowledge comes from the classroom. To grow and learn about the world for themselves, many students take the opportunity to volunteer in their communities. Whether it is for college credit or in their free time, volunteering is a great source for students to enrich their lives. This can look different for students across the board, but there are opportunities everywhere for students to get involved. Here are a few ways in which students can volunteer and make a difference in their communities.

Campus Life

Almost every college has student organizations dedicated to improving the experiences of students on campus. Getting involved in organizations like this allows students to get to know their classmates and feel more like home. This also comes with the opportunity to volunteer with events on campus. Whether that is student life events, donor events, or community outreach events, there are many ways to impact fellow students’ lives.

National Organizations

Several organizations operate on a national level that students can find in their college towns. Some of these include American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, and many more. These organizations have local offices that college students can contact and get involved with to dive into their specific communities and make a difference.

Youth Programs

As young people, college students still have the opportunity to invest in the next generations. Organizations such as Big Brothers and Sisters, Boy and Girl Scouts, and other community-led youth programs are great avenues for students to impart wisdom to younger minds. Another great way to help young students is to volunteer for tutoring programs. This allows college students to practice communication skills and learn how to engage with younger students.

No matter what a student is studying, volunteering within their community can be an excellent way to enrich their college experience. While a student’s time within their college town can often be short, through volunteering, they have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community.