Grades are important when it comes to applying to college, and academic scholarships can be quite substantial and definitely help with college expenses. However, don’t forget about community involvement! Many colleges consider the time and effort put forth in community activities to be just as impactful as grades. Here are a few ideas for students to get engaged within the community:
Volunteer
There’s nothing more rewarding than giving back, especially to those who need it the most. Every town has volunteer opportunities; you just need to find them. A great place to start is Volunteer Match which lists several of these opportunities and ways to get involved based on your preferences and location.
Join a Club or Group
Whatever you might be interested in, whether it be hiking/reading/creating or networking/skill sharing, there are thousands of people who are looking for the same types of things and don’t know where to start. A couple of options that will help you build relationships with like-minded individuals are:
- An internet platform known as Meetup. Similar to Volunteer Match, it will search for interesting clubs or groups based on experience, location and interests. You might even consider some that you had never thought about before – what a great way to broaden your horizons!
- Facebook – Go to the Groups tab under Menu, and choose “Discover”. This will list various groups that might be of interest to you, and all it takes is a simple request to join. Note: Some groups have their own vetting procedures, as they’re only interested in individuals who are serious about the topic and will follow any and all rules.
Participate in Clean-up Days
Look for places that encourage clean-up efforts for parks, streets, or public places. Working toward a common goal is one of the most fulfilling ways to utilize your time and energy. You can find these groups online via a search, through a philanthropic friend, or even through your employer.
Donate Your Resources
If you don’t have time to volunteer, consider making donations to local shelters, thrift shops or secondhand stores. This would be a great time to clean up your overly full closets and purge the items you haven’t used in at least a year.
Shop Locally
Buy from local vendors! Most of them are small businesses that can’t survive without monetary support from members of their community…and most of them have wonderful products to sell. Skip the big box stores and buy from locally owned grocers or farmer’s markets, especially if you are more interested in organic food. Many high schools sponsor craft fairs on their premises, where you can find unique items and homemade crafts.
Organize Your Own Event
Even though it may be a bit time-consuming, planning a charitable event can be a fulfilling and fun way to give directly to an organization of your choosing. Team up with friends and solicit some local vendors by organizing car washes, children’s activities at libraries, preparing goodie baskets for hospitals and retirement homes, and any other activity you can think of. Options are endless in all communities, but it might take some creativity and tenacity to pull it off.
Track it
While it’s important to be involved in your community, it’s equally important to report it on college applications. Use EducationQuest’s Activities Resume to help track your extracurricular activities, awards, and part-time jobs. The information will help your college applications stand out!
By Lori Caffery