When teens find time to relax and unwind, they may be tempted to turn their attention to their screens. However, this is the perfect opportunity to explore new ways to grow, give back, and build real-world skills.
As someone who’s spent more than 20 years in education, as a Special Education teacher, elementary and middle school principal, and now as Executive Director at Destinations Career Academy of Colorado, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful service can be in shaping a student’s sense of self, community, and future direction.
In fact, I’ve personally seen how volunteering helps students build empathy, leadership, and real-world experience. I think it’s critical for us as adults to encourage them to find something they’re passionate about as this helps make the experience fun for all involved. Whether it’s reading to younger kids, helping at an animal shelter, or assisting with community clean-ups, it can even count as service-learning!
Here are seven simple, meaningful ways students can give back this summer while building confidence, character, and community.
1. Read to Younger Kids at Your Local Library or YMCA
Help promote literacy and give back to your community by volunteering to read aloud during story time or summer reading programs. It’s especially great for students who enjoy working with children or aspire to be teachers, mentors, or youth counselors.
2. Lend a Hand at an Animal Shelter
Whether it’s walking dogs, cleaning enclosures, or helping at adoption events, local animal shelters and rescues always need support. It’s a great way for animal lovers to turn compassion into action and make furry friends along the way. This is especially impactful for students looking for a career in veterinary care.
3. Join a Community Clean-Up Project
Help beautify a neighborhood park, trail, or public space. These projects often only take a few hours but leave a lasting impact. Plus, they can be a great team-building activity with friends or family.
4. Organize a Mini Food or Clothing Drive
With a little coordination, students can collect non-perishable food, gently used clothes, or school supplies for local shelters or families in need. Bonus: it’s a great leadership experience that can be listed on a college or scholarship application.
5. Offer Tech Help to Seniors
Digital literacy is still a challenge for many older adults. Students can volunteer at senior centers or retirement communities to teach basic tech skills, like using a smartphone, email, or social media.
6. Start a Micro Garden or Help at a Community Garden
Helping grow fresh produce in a shared space not only provides food for local families but also teaches sustainability, patience, and responsibility. Some gardens donate crops to food pantries, making your help even more impactful.
7. Use Career Skills to Make a Difference
At Destinations Career Academy, many of our students are learning career and technical skills. Encourage students to use those talents. Whether it’s designing flyers for a nonprofit, helping build something for Habitat for Humanity, or offering to tutor peers in subjects they’ve mastered.
Educator Tip:
Service doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to be intentional. When students connect their passions to real community needs, they grow in empathy, self-confidence, and purpose. For many, these experiences help clarify future career interests.
