15 Non-Profit Volunteering Programs for High School Students
Volunteering with a non-profit is one of the most direct ways to spend your time outside class putting real energy into causes that matter to people.
What do non-profit volunteering programs involve?
Non-profit volunteering can take many forms, from tutoring and mentoring younger kids to environmental clean-ups, community kitchens, local health campaigns, arts programs, fundraising events, and awareness projects. Most programs are built to fit around school, running after class, on weekends, or over the summer, so you never have to choose between academics and giving back.
Why volunteer with a non-profit in high school?
Volunteering builds skills you rarely get from a textbook: time management, responsibility, communication, and the experience of contributing to something larger than yourself. Consistent volunteer work also shows that you can commit to a cause over time and take initiative without being told to, which is exactly the kind of follow-through that carries into any future path you choose.
To help you get started, here are 15 non-profit volunteering programs for high school students. If you want to go further, you can also explore our guides on non-profit mentorship programs and how to start a non-profit as a high school student.
Quick look
Most options on this list are free to join. Young Founders Lab offers need-based financial aid, and a few programs even pay a stipend or wage (NYC Ladders for Leaders).
One option is different from the rest: Young Founders Lab. Instead of volunteering for an existing organization, you build and lead your own non-profit venture from scratch with mentorship from Harvard entrepreneurs.
Four programs are fully virtual and open worldwide: Young Founders Lab, Be My Eyes, Translators without Borders, and the Citizen Archivist Program.
A few are location-specific, most notably NYC Ladders for Leaders, which is limited to New York City residents.
Commitment ranges from flexible micro-volunteering (Be My Eyes, DoSomething.org) to structured, leadership-heavy programs (UNICEF USA National Youth Council, Ladders for Leaders).
15 Non-Profit Volunteering Programs for High School Students
1. Young Founders Lab
Cost: There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Program Dates: Varies by the cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Young Founders Lab is a real-world startup and non-profit bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. On the non-profit track, instead of volunteering for an organization that already exists, you build and launch your own social-impact venture from the ground up. You work through a structured curriculum that moves you from identifying a real community problem to designing and running a solution, mentored the whole way by established founders and professionals from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. Alongside building your organization, you take part in interactive classes on fundamentals and ideation, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. It is the strongest fit on this list if you want to lead your own cause rather than support someone else's. You can explore the program and apply here.
2. UNICEF USA – High School Clubs & National Youth Council
Location: United States (high schools / online)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ongoing; club registrations typically open in late summer / early fall during each school year
Application Deadline: Club registration is rolling; National Youth Council applications typically open in January and close in March
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12; requires an adult advisor and school or community affiliation
UNICEF USA High School Clubs let students organize locally in their schools to advocate for children’s rights, host fundraisers, lead awareness campaigns, and educate their communities about global issues. You can expect to learn skills like event planning, advocacy, public speaking, fundraising, and leadership, while working with advisors and connecting with UNICEF resources. Clubs often work with the National Youth Council, which brings together student leaders from hundreds of schools to shape campaigns, share ideas, and influence youth-led advocacy. Projects may include hosting awareness events (like World Children’s Day), coordinating online or peer-to-peer fundraisers, writing to elected officials, or using UNICEF’s action center tools.
3. YMCA Volunteer Opportunities
Location: Nationwide (varies by local YMCA branch)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ongoing, year-round opportunities (after-school, weekends, summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling, depending on local YMCA branch needs
Eligibility: Open to teens, including high school students; age requirements and supervision policies vary by branch
The YMCA offers one of the broadest ranges of volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector, engaging over 233,000 volunteers annually across the United States. You can contribute in areas like after-school enrichment, mentoring younger children, assisting with youth sports, supporting community food distribution, or helping run local events. In addition to direct service roles, you may get exposure to leadership through special projects such as organizing food drives, supporting health and wellness initiatives, or even serving on youth advisory boards. Many Ys also encourage students to take on mentorship roles, helping peers or younger participants with academics, sports, or personal development.
4.American Red Cross Youth Volunteer Opportunities
Location: Nationwide (varies by local Red Cross chapter)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ongoing, year-round opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling, depending on local chapter needs
Eligibility: Open to high school students; some opportunities may require parental consent for minors
The American Red Cross offers one of the most recognized non-profit volunteer pathways for high school students, engaging youth in meaningful service at both the school and community levels. You can join or start a Red Cross Club, where you’ll organize service and educational projects such as blood drives, disaster preparedness workshops, and fundraising initiatives. Training is provided to ensure you are prepared for your roles, and many programs allow you to connect your volunteer work with broader humanitarian efforts across the Red Cross network.
5. Habitat for Humanity Youth Programs
Location: Nationwide, U.S. (local Habitat affiliates and campus chapters)
Cost: Free (students may fundraise for some projects)
Program Dates: Ongoing, with year-round opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling, depending on the local chapter
Eligibility: Open to high school and college students; minimum age requirements may vary by activity (often 14+)
Habitat for Humanity’s youth programs give high school students a direct role in addressing housing challenges while building leadership and teamwork skills. Through Habitat campus chapters, you’ll organize fundraising events, advocate for affordable housing, and volunteer alongside local Habitat affiliates to help build or repair homes. These chapters function as student-led organizations supported by teachers and community mentors, giving you a platform for leadership and civic engagement. You will also learn about the broader issues of poverty and housing inequality.
6. Girls Inc. Volunteering Programs
Location: Nationwide (U.S. & Canada chapters, some online opportunities)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ongoing, varies by local chapter or online initiative
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Varies by location; some chapters accept high school volunteers, others require college students or adults
Girls Inc. provides structured volunteering opportunities that allow you to support gender equity and community change. You can take part in initiatives like the Teen Advocacy Council, where you will represent youth perspectives on issues such as education access, health, and leadership. Chapters also host social media ambassador programs, encouraging you to create digital content that amplifies the voices of young women and girls. Many local branches involve student volunteers in mentoring younger participants, tutoring, or running enrichment workshops in STEM, arts, or health.
7. Be My Eyes
Location: Global (app-based, remote)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ongoing, year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (13+) with access to a smartphone and willingness to provide assistance
Be My Eyes is a global volunteer program that connects blind or low-vision users with sighted volunteers through a simple smartphone app. As a volunteer, you receive live video calls from users who need real-time help with tasks such as reading labels, checking colors, navigating unfamiliar environments, or troubleshooting everyday challenges. The program offers high school students an opportunity to build empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills while providing immediate, practical support to people worldwide. You can assist at any time, since the service is available 24/7 across more than 150 countries and in 180+ languages.
8. Translators without Borders (TWB)
Location: Global (remote, online)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Ongoing, year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (13+) with strong skills in at least two languages
Translators without Borders is a non-profit organization that harnesses the power of language to bridge communication gaps in humanitarian crises. As a volunteer, you join a global network of over 100,000 members contributing translations, revisions, subtitling, and voice-over work for projects covering topics like health, forced displacement, climate change, and financial inclusion. High school students with language skills can gain hands-on experience supporting local and international NGOs, making vital information accessible in multiple languages. Volunteers use TWB’s platform to collaborate on real-world projects, engage in peer forums, and access training resources.
9. Amnesty International Volunteering
Location: Global (local chapters + online opportunities)
Cost: Free; expenses (travel/food) may be covered depending on role
Program Dates: Typically part-time, up to 6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by role)
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with an interest in human rights, advocacy, or language skills
Amnesty International Volunteering gives you the chance to support global human rights work in flexible, impactful ways. You can monitor international news, assist with research, translate materials, or join online advocacy campaigns. You might also help with fundraising or contribute your own specialist skills, whether in writing, design, tech, or education. Many roles are short-term or part-time, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Some placements offer travel or meal reimbursements. You’ll gain early exposure to international issues, policy debates, and grassroots activism while collaborating with experienced advocates.
10. Citizen Archivist Program – U.S. National Archives
Location: Online (U.S.-based but open globally)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Flexible, ongoing missions year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students with an interest in history, civics, or archival work
Citizen Archivist Program – U.S. National Archives invites you to help preserve history by transcribing documents, tagging photos, and adding comments that make public records easier to find. You’ll work with original materials like military service files, government records, and founding-era manuscripts; each “mission” gives you a set of documents to help digitize and make them searchable. Whether you're interested in history, law, or civic engagement, you’ll get hands-on experience and contribute directly to public access and knowledge-sharing.
11.DoSomething.org Volunteering Campaigns
Location: Online and nationwide (U.S.)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Flexible, campaigns available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 13 and up
DoSomething.org Volunteering Campaigns let you take action on issues that matter to you. You can join campaigns focused on the environment, mental health, education, and civic engagement. Projects include cleaning up public spaces, reporting scams, writing letters to children in hospitals, and raising awareness about book bans. Most campaigns are designed to be completed from home or in your own community, so they’re easy to fit into your schedule. You can earn volunteer credit hours and qualify for scholarships based on your participation.
12. Boys & Girls Clubs of America Volunteer Program
Location: Nationwide (U.S.) – local clubs in most states
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-round, flexible volunteer scheduling
Application Deadline: Rolling (depends on local clubs)
Eligibility: High school students, generally ages 14+ (varies by location)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Volunteer Program gives you a chance to support younger students in a safe and welcoming space after school. You can help with tutoring, mentoring, sports, arts, or community service projects, depending on what your local club needs. You can also join fundraising efforts, lead awareness campaigns, or take part in youth leadership programs that strengthen your community. These experiences help you build teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while working alongside supportive staff and mentors.
13. Junior Achievement USA Volunteer Program
Location: Nationwide (U.S.) – programs delivered in schools and communities across all 50 states
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-round, with flexible in-person and virtual opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by local chapter)
Eligibility: High school students interested in mentoring, teaching, or supporting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work-readiness programs
Junior Achievement USA Volunteer Program gives you the chance to help younger students build financial literacy, explore entrepreneurship, and prepare for future careers. You can volunteer in classrooms, mentor students one-on-one, or join virtual sessions where you guide activities and share practical advice. Whether you're helping with budgeting lessons, mock business challenges, or resume workshops, you’ll play a direct role in shaping how students understand the economy and their place in it.
14. Enabling Leadership Global Ambassador Program (ELGAP)
Location: Global (virtual with opportunities for local engagement)
Cost: Free (fundraising and advocacy activities encouraged)
Program Dates: Year-round with flexible volunteer commitments
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with an interest in leadership, community service, and youth empowerment
Enabling Leadership Global Ambassador Program (ELGAP) gives you a chance to lead change while supporting education through music, football, and design thinking. You’ll raise awareness, organize fundraisers, and help expand access to creative learning programs for underserved communities. You’ll work on advocacy projects, connect with students from other countries, and build skills in public speaking, leadership, and teamwork. You can design your own community initiative, get support from mentors, and learn how to manage real projects.
15. NYC Ladders for Leaders
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: Free (paid summer internships provided)
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school and college students (must be NYC residents, at least 16 years old, with a minimum 3.0 GPA)
Ladders for Leaders connects you with paid summer internships at top nonprofits, government agencies, and major companies across New York City. Before you start, you’ll complete 30 hours of pre-employment training to help you understand workplace expectations and build professional skills. During the summer, you’ll gain hands-on experience in fields like public service, healthcare, law, finance, media, and community development. You’ll work with mentors who guide you through real projects and help you grow your confidence. You’ll also attend workshops and networking events where you can meet professionals and other students from across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are non-profit volunteering programs free for high school students?
Most are. Nearly every program on this list is free to join, and a few, like NYC Ladders for Leaders, actually pay you. Young Founders Lab is the main structured program here that carries a cost, though it offers need-based financial aid so cost is not a barrier to applying.
2. Can I start my own non-profit instead of volunteering for an existing one?
Yes. If you would rather lead a cause than support one that already exists, Young Founders Lab runs a non-profit track where you build and launch your own social-impact venture from scratch, guided by mentors from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. You move from spotting a real community problem to designing and running the organization that solves it, which is a very different experience from joining an established program.
3. Which volunteering programs are fully virtual and open worldwide?
Four options on this list run entirely online and accept students internationally: Young Founders Lab, Be My Eyes, Translators without Borders, and the Citizen Archivist Program. These are the best fit if you are outside the U.S. or want something you can do from home on your own schedule.
4. How much time do these programs take?
It varies widely. Some, like Be My Eyes and DoSomething.org, are flexible and let you contribute whenever you have time. Others, like UNICEF's National Youth Council or a structured build program like Young Founders Lab, involve a regular weekly commitment over a set period.
5. Do I need prior experience to volunteer?
Almost never. The large majority of these programs are open to beginners, with training or mentorship built in. A few language-based roles (Translators without Borders) or GPA-based programs (NYC Ladders for Leaders) have specific requirements, but most simply ask for genuine interest and consistency.
Whichever route you pick, sticking with it over time also gives you something meaningful to point to on your college applications.