Free Community Service Programs for High School Students

Every program on this page costs $0 to attend — cost should never be the reason a strong student skips community service opportunities.

Many free programs are more selective than paid ones precisely because they are funded; treat their deadlines seriously.

99 verified programs match this page; 30 of the featured listings are completely free; 11 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 30+ curated programs for high school students:

• Khan Academy High School Volunteer Translation Program — Khan Academy: Translate educational content to make free learning accessible worldwide.
• Free Rice High School Volunteer Program for Hunger Relief (World Fo — World Food Programme: Answer trivia questions to donate rice through the World Food Programme.
• Missing Maps — Missing Maps / Red Cross: Map vulnerable areas to help humanitarian organizations respond to crises.
• DoSomething.org High School Leadership and Community Service Program — DoSomething.org: Lead youth-driven social impact campaigns on issues you care about.
• 7 Cups High School Emotional Support Volunteer Program — 7 Cups: Provide free emotional support through anonymous online chat conversations.
• Be My Eyes Video Volunteer — Be My Eyes: Help blind and low-vision people with everyday tasks through video calls.
• Code.org Hour of Code Champions — Code.org: Host Hour of Code events as a student leader in computer science. Build coding skills, gain leadership experience, and enhance your college applicatio
• Peace First Challenge — Peace First: Grants and support for youth-led social change projects.
• Congressional Award Gold Medal — The Congressional Award Foundation: US Congress's highest award for youth. Requires 400+ hours across volunteer service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition.
• American Library Association — American Library Association: Assist with children's programs, shelving books, and library events.
• National Park Service High School Youth Ambassador Program — National Park Service: Lead interpretive programs and help visitors experience America's national parks.
• Beach Cleanup Volunteer — Surfrider Foundation South Florida: Help keep our beaches clean and protect marine life through regular coastal cleanup events.
• Crisis Text Line High School Volunteer Counselor Program — Crisis Text Line: Provide emotional support to people in crisis via text-based counseling.
• Ronald McDonald House Volunteer — Ronald McDonald House Charities: Support families of hospitalized children by preparing meals and providing comfort.
• YMCA Youth Mentor — YMCA of the USA: Mentor younger children through after-school programs and summer camps.
• Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) — U.S. National Park Service (with USFS & USFWS partners): Join a paid summer program for high schoolers to protect public lands, gain hands-on conservation experience, and build skills for college and beyond
• Climate Generation Youth Summit — Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy: Youth climate leadership program developing next generation of environmental advocates. Includes training, networking, and action projects. Shows envi
• Student Press Law Center Free Press Advocacy — Student Press Law Center: Student advocacy for First Amendment rights and press freedom. Training and legal support for student journalists. Shows commitment to constitutional
• Net Impact High School Chapter Leadership — Net Impact: Lead social impact chapter at your school through Net Impact. Drive sustainability and social change.
• FEMA Youth Preparedness Council — FEMA: National council advising FEMA on youth preparedness.
• Princeton Prize in Race Relations — Princeton University: For students promoting race relations. Regional winners + symposium at Princeton.
• Eagle Scout Award — Boy Scouts of America: Highest Boy Scout rank. Leadership project required.
• Meals on Wheels America — Meals on Wheels America: Deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and provide friendly check-ins.
• NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador — NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Empower ocean conservation as a NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador. Gain leadership skills, build your college resume, and make a difference—all onl
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Scholarship — Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Educational Advancement Foundation: AKA Educational Advancement Foundation awards scholarships to academically excellent Black students from high school through graduate school. One of t
• MLK Day of Service Projects — AmeriCorps: Honor Dr. King’s legacy with hands-on service projects nationwide. Build leadership skills, boost your college applications, and make a meaningful imp
• Boca Raton Regional Hospital High School Junior Volunteer Program — Boca Raton Regional Hospital: Support hospital staff and patients in various departments while gaining healthcare experience.
• Red Cross Disaster Response — American Red Cross: Train to respond to local disasters and help affected families in your community.
• Key Club International — Kiwanis International: Lead impactful community service projects with Key Club International. Build leadership skills, boost college applications, and make a difference in y
• Youth Sports Coach Assistant — Boca Raton Recreation Services: Assist with coaching youth sports leagues for elementary-age children.

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