![Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in Essex, Union, and Somerset Counties, New Jersey [2025]](https://njhsvolunteers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/voluteer-jobs-in-nj-students-900x500.jpeg)
Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in Essex, Union, and Somerset Counties, New Jersey [2025]
This listing provides information on volunteer positions specifically tailored for high school students across Essex County, Union County, and Somerset County, New Jersey, including direct website links and contact information for each opportunity.
Essex County Volunteer Opportunities
Government and Legal Internships
Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Summer Internship Program
Website: https://njecpo.org/community-programs/
The four-week summer internship runs from July 7 to August 8, 2025, designed for high school juniors entering their senior year. Students gain exposure to careers in law, law enforcement, and government through workshops on college readiness, internet safety, gang awareness, and substance abuse prevention.
Application Process: Complete the online application available on their website by the March deadline.
Contact: Nicole Graves-Watson at nicole.graves@njecpo.org or (973) 621-4317
Nonprofit and Community Service Organizations
American Red Cross Club Youth Program
Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/new-jersey/volunteer/red-cross-clubs.html
Application Portal: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=vms_entry_point_listing&tagent=rco&unit_id=232
High school students aged 13-17 can join Red Cross Clubs to participate in service projects, develop leadership skills, and engage in humanitarian efforts. Students can create, plan, and participate in projects addressing community needs.
Contact: njyouthclubs@redcross.org for club information or maureen.buehl@redcross.org for application questions
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Teen Summer Volunteer Program
Website: https://cinj.org/patient-care/volunteering-rutgers-cancer-institute
The program runs from June to September, requiring a minimum commitment of four hours weekly. Teen volunteers assist in non-clinical areas including patient support, comfort cart management, and administrative tasks.
Contact: Miriam Sajouste at mjsajous@cinj.rutgers.edu or (732) 235-5442
CASA for Children of Essex County
Website: https://www.casaessex.org/volunteer
Main Site: https://www.casaessex.org
CASA volunteers advocate for children in foster care by supporting caseworkers and attending community outreach events. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and complete specialized training.
Contact: info@casaessex.org for information sessions
Community FoodBank of New Jersey – Hillside
Website: https://cfbnj.org/volunteer/
Teen volunteers assist with sorting donations, assembling emergency food boxes, and managing inventory systems. All volunteers must be aged 12 or older and complete a GMP Rules Form.
Location: 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ 07205
Family Promise of Essex County
Website: https://www.fpessexnj.org/new-volunteers/
Circles Program: https://www.fpessexnj.org/circles-essex/
The organization offers three main volunteer tracks: Circles (poverty reduction), Shelter Program (family support), and General Support (various tasks).
Contact: Gabriel at gabriel@fpessexnj.org or (862) 357-2116 for Circles program
Toni’s Kitchen
Website: https://toniskitchen.org
Volunteer Portal: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?ap=197517192
FAQ: https://toniskitchen.org/volunteering-faqs/
High school students can volunteer in food prep, serving, packing healthy food bags, and food deliveries. The organization offers flexible scheduling and community service hours.
Contact: toniskitchen@gmail.com or hello@toniskitchen.org
Union County Volunteer Opportunities
County-Sponsored Programs
SHOUT (Students Helping OUT) Program
Website: https://ucnj.org/youth
Program Description: https://www.unionresourcenet.org/search/uc-shout-union-county-students-helping-out/
The program connects students aged 12-18 with volunteer placements across local businesses, social service agencies, and community initiatives.
Contact: Office of Youth Services at (908) 558-2520 or Norma N. Nunez at (908) 558-2532
Office of Community Engagement and Diversity
Website: https://ucnj.org/community-engagement-diversity/
The office offers virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities focusing on cultural events, supply drives, and community workshops.
Contact: Judith Guest at (908) 527-4388 or Judith.Guest@ucnj.org
Nonprofit Organizations
Jersey Cares
Website: https://www.jerseycares.org/
Volunteer Portal: https://jcnj.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=161510
Jersey Cares hosts quarterly family service events and teen-only events for ages 14-18, focusing on assembling care kits and community projects.
Contact: (973) 533-1993 or info@jerseycares.org
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey
Website: https://www.jfsmetrowest.org/volunteer/
The organization offers various volunteer opportunities including food pantry operations, after-school programs, and clothing drives.
Contact: Taylor Ruszczyk at TRuszczyk@jfsmetrowest.org or (973) 637-1742 for teen mitzvah projects
Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County
Website: https://www.bgcuc.org/volunteer/
Volunteers can assist with youth programming, special events, and facility maintenance. Program hours are typically 2:30pm-6:30pm at most locations.
Contact: Applications available at club sites or through their website
Educational and Library Programs
Union Public Library VolunTeens Program
Website: https://uplnj.org/volunteer-opportunities-teens/
Teen volunteers support library services including shelving, children’s programs, and community events. The summer program is currently full, but opportunities are available during the school year.
Contact: teens@uplnj.org
Court and Legal Support
Union County Court Volunteer Programs
Website: https://www.njcourts.gov/public/overview-volunteer-services/union-county-volunteer-information
Programs include Juvenile Conference Committees, Courthouse Visitors Assistance, and Juvenile Intensive Supervision.
Contact: UnnVolunteer.Mailbox@njcourts.gov or (908) 787-1650, ext. 21354
Union Township Community Action Organization
Website: https://www.utcao.com
The organization provides social services and early childhood education programs with volunteer opportunities in community center activities.
Contact: (908) 686-6150 or efrye@utcao.com
Somerset County Volunteer Opportunities
4-H and Agricultural Programs
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Somerset County 4-H
Website: https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/
Volunteer Information: https://4histops.org/volunteer
While high school students under 18 cannot lead clubs independently, they can serve in junior member roles for event support and hands-on learning projects.
Contact: (908) 526-6644 or SomersetCounty4H@co.somerset.nj.us
County Youth Services
Somerset County Office of Youth Services
Website: https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/human-services/youth-services
Youth Services Commission: https://njacysca.org/about-us/nj-counties/somerset-county/
High school students can volunteer in needs assessment, event planning, and program evaluation focused on at-risk youth.
Contact: Antonietta B. Phelan at (908) 704-6331 or Phelan@co.somerset.nj.us
Community Centers and Social Services
Jewish Family Service of Somerset County
Main Website: https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer.php
Senior Shopper Program: https://jewishfamilysvc.org/volunteer–senior-shopper.php
The organization offers flexible volunteer opportunities for teens and college students in various programs including senior support services.
Contact: info@JewishFamilySvc.org
Additional Resources
Community FoodBank of New Jersey Youth Programs
Website: https://cfbnj.org/youth/
Comprehensive youth outreach programs including presentations, workshops, fundraisers, and food drives for all grade levels.
NJ 2-1-1 Partnership Volunteer Opportunities
Website: https://nj211.org/volunteer-opportunities
Statewide volunteer center providing access to diverse volunteer opportunities across New Jersey.
New Jersey Volunteer Centers
Website: https://nj.gov/state/volunteer-centers.shtml
Directory of volunteer centers and United Way organizations supporting volunteerism throughout the state.
General Volunteer Application Guidelines and Requirements
Most volunteer programs require:
- Minimum age requirements (typically 16 years old)
- Parental consent for minors sometimes are required
- Background checks for certain positions
- Orientation and training sessions
- Commitment to specific time periods are typical
Students should review specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each program. Many organizations offer flexible scheduling to accommodate school commitments and provide community service hours required for graduation.
