It’s no secret that an impressive application is the key to getting into your dream college. When you are working to find your new school, you want to take every chance to stand out. While extracurriculars like sports and school clubs are a great place to start, it’s important to ensure your experience is well-rounded. By finding a space to volunteer, you can not only give back to your community but also show colleges how much value you’ll add to their institution. If you are on the search for high school volunteer opportunities around Seattle, I’d love to give you a list of the best places.
10 High School Volunteer Opportunities In Seattle To Find Something For You
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue
209 100th Ave NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue is a center that actively works to improve the lives of underprivileged children around the area. The center gives you a number of different opportunities to help out. You can help the group fundraise, take care of administrative duties, clean up the facilities, or work as a coach for their sports teams. Over the summer, they have a leader-in-training program created for teens aged 14-18. By enrolling in this option, you’ll get some valuable Seattle volunteer opportunities while learning how to take charge.
Bellevue Youth Theatre Volunteering
450 110th Avenue NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004
If you have a flair for the dramatic, Bellevue Youth Theatre might just be the high school volunteer opportunity for you! The theater is completely volunteer-run. Everyone from the actors to the set designers is passionate and eager to use their free time to create engaging productions. You can sell some merch, help craft the costumes, or put on the performance of a lifetime. The theater’s goal is to create a safe space where kids can freely express themselves.
Camp Fire Central Puget Sound
2414 SW Andover Street, Suite D-105, Seattle, Washington 98106
While Camp Fire Central Puget Sound is known for its summer programs, they have something going on all year long. Over the summer, you can work as a volunteer for their day camps. With this option, you’ll lead activities, work with kids, and keep the kitchen clean. The organization can provide you with all the paperwork you need to track your hours. If you’re looking for more advanced ways to volunteer, just let them know, and they’ll find something for you.
Food Lifeline
815 South 96th Street, Seattle, Washington 98108
Food Lifeline is an organization that is dedicated to ending hunger. They keep their volunteer sessions fun so you can actually look forward to your work. They give you the ability to come either by yourself or with a group of friends. All they ask is that you wear closed-toe shoes for your shift and be prepared for some physical labor. Teens under the age of 18 will be required to bring in a consent form with their parent’s signature.
Kids Coming Together
Kids Coming Together is a program that is provided through the Lake Washington Schools Foundation and offers weekly volunteer opportunities for teens. You can attend as many volunteer events as you’d like. To begin, you will simply fill out a registration form. From there, you can browse through their event page and find the one you want to assist with. You can help with the humane society, make LEGO gift bags, co-run a book bounty, or spread positivity through Rocks of Kindness.
Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center
18675 NE 106th Street, Redmond, Washington 98025
Since 1976, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center has been providing horseback riding therapy to people with disabilities. The center has over 1,200 volunteers every year that assist with the care of the horses. You can spend your time grooming the animals, supporting clients during their lessons, filling the horse’s water, and putting away tack. If you would prefer to work with a group, you can work on landscaping and gardening, painting, or holiday decorating.
Mercer Island Thrift Shop
7710 SE 34th Street, Mercer Island, Washington 98040
Mercer Island Thrift Shop has been volunteer-run since 1975. In fact, the Seattle area thrift store was founded as a way to offer more volunteer opportunity to high school students to help out their community. The center has tons of volunteer jobs that keep the store running smoothly. You can process donations, price merchandise, tag display clothing, work as a cashier, help out the customers, and sort through seasonal items. They ask that you volunteer either 3 hours per week or 12 hours per month with a commitment of 3 months.
Youth Ocean Advocates | Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, Washington 98101
If you’re passionate about conservation, the Youth Ocean Advocates program through the Seattle Aquarium might just be the spot for you! With this program, you will get a firsthand look at marine creatures. You will learn about conservation within the marine environment and find active ways you can make a positive difference. You will also take part in improving the oceans by planting trees and cleaning beaches. The program does require that you apply first. Should you be accepted, you’ll be part of a team with nearly 150 other local students.
Washington Trails Association
705 2nd Ave, Suite 300, Seattle, Washington 98104
Washington Trails Association is a great way to join together and clean up the land. This volunteer opportunity is open to anyone who wants to try it out. They regularly host work parties where you can sign up and join others clearing up the trails. If you want to get your entire family involved, you can join in on their family work days for anyone ages 10 and up. They ask that you bring some boots, a pair of gloves, and lunch.
Seattle Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, Washington 98103
At the Seattle Zoo, you can do fantastic work while hanging out with some pretty adorable creatures. The program is the perfect option for those passionate about saving wildlife. You’ll also spend time assisting guests and getting others passionate about advocacy. The Seattle Zoo offers volunteer programs once a year for teens 16 and up. You must first attend their virtual info session before being considered.
Find The High School Volunteer Opportunities In Seattle That Resonate With You
With these high school volunteer opportunities in Seattle, you can have valuable experience that will make your application stand out! Check them out today to find your ideal program.
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