Welcome to the world of summer volunteer opportunities for students! With sunny weather, free time and various volunteer programs, summer is the perfect season for students to gain meaningful experiences.
Whether you’re passionate about community service abroad, supporting hospitals locally or teaching English remotely, this season offers great summer volunteer programs for students.
Read on and explore 10 exciting summer volunteer programs for students:
In this guide, we’ll look at:
1. AmeriCorps NCCC’s Summer of Service
AmeriCorps NCCC’s Summer of Service is a short-term program with the mission of strengthening communities through service. Service projects will focus on housing, environmental stewardship, climate change and various other community-focused service activities. You can join as a member or team leader.
- Members train initially and receive team assignments. Members gather in teams of 18-26 year-olds and complete various team activities under a team leader.
- Team Leaders guide and support a team of eight to ten members throughout the service term.
⏳ Duration: About three months with 300 service hours.
📝 Application Process: Apply on the MyAmeriCorps portal. Members can apply by March 25 and start in June 2025. Team leaders can apply by February 2025 and start in May 2025.
📍Format: In-person (nationwide with Corps Training Institutes in Aurora, CO or Vinton, IA)
🏠 Hosted by: AmeriCorps
2. Service Learning Trips
Combine travel with community service on a student service learning trip. Engage in hands-on work and connect with local communities. My summer volunteer trip to Thailand was amazing – I had a fantastic time with the people I met and gained valuable experience helping to improve village infrastructure.
⏳ Duration: From one week with 15+ service hours.
📝 Application Process: Enroll on Rustic Pathways’s website now.
📍Format: In-person (several destinations, including Costa Rica, Thailand and South Korea)
🏠 Hosted by: Rustic Pathways
Our passionate volunteers came together to make a lasting impact in this community.
3. Children’s National Health System
The Children’s National Hospital offers intensive summer volunteer programs for students who want to make a meaningful impact in the summer months.
- Summer High School Volunteer program: Students gain valuable experience by contributing their time and talents. Duties include greeting patients, helping with navigation and supporting departments.
- Duration: 14 days of volunteer service
- Summer Child Life Volunteer program: Those pursuing a career as a child life specialist can gain insights into pediatric healthcare and interact with hospitalized children and specialists.
- Duration: 100 service hours
📝 Application Process: Enrollment starts in February 2025.
📍Format: Online and in-person (Washington, DC)
🏠 Hosted by: Children’s National Hospital
4. Climate Leaders Fellowship
Meet our Climate Leaders!
The Climate Leaders Fellowship connects high school students globally to work on climate impact projects in their communities.
⏳ Duration: 12 Weeks
📝 Application Process: Register on website.
📍Format: Online and in-person worldwide with option to attend a global Summit.
🏠 Hosted by: Rustic Pathways
