Go to the STJ Student Portal and click on the Guidance Icon to find some great opportunities!
One of the requirements of a high school student is to complete 40 hours of community service by graduation.
For many, finding ways to gain these necessary hours can seem like a looming cloud that hovers over you for four years, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many opportunities and outlets that help you fulfill your commitment to the community.
First, it is always important to talk to your relatives. Now, while you can’t gain community hours by helping out family members directly, it is likely that someone in your family knows an individual or organization who could use your help. For example, you could pick up groceries for your grandma’s friend or babysit your aunt’s coworker’s kids. Asking your family members is a great way to find volunteer opportunities and will definitely give you a few ideas if nothing else!
Another way to earn volunteer hours is by helping out with community functions. These include events at public libraries, downtown, at local schools, and everywhere in between. Many activities that are city-run often rely on volunteers, so there is likely to be an open space for you. Examples of these types of hours include a craft-making day at your local library or an organized run that is in need of volunteers to hand out water bottles.
Your former grade school can also yield some great opportunities. Sports games are always in need of timers and scorekeepers, and grade school teachers often reach out to graduated students to fill these positions. If your grade school does not need the extra help, ask your classmates if their grade schools have a need for volunteers.
Listen to the announcements and visit the Guidance Section on the Student Portal. Potential volunteer opportunities are always being posted and read on the daily lunch announcements. Additionally, our amazing Guidance Department constantly updates their website with volunteer opportunities. Visit the STJ Guidance Department on the Student Portal!
Here are two tips on how to maximize the success of your volunteer hours:
Don’t stop at 40 hours! If you can get more than the required 40 hours, always try and gain extra. This achievement can be greatly utilized when it comes to writing résumés and post secondary applications, as it shows that you are hard working and are willing to go above what is expected of you. You can even win awards and scholarships for having a certain number of hours! In addition, you will continue to create meaningful connections in your community.
Do not wait to earn your hours! Try your best to start gaining them as soon as possible, to give yourself enough time to get them all in. The task of community service will only become more difficult if you are suddenly left searching for opportunities with a limited amount of time left to complete your goal. So start early!