News

Guides and stories

Written for New Jersey high school students, parents, and counselors.

Bergen County Volunteer Roles for High School Students

September 9, 2025

Bergen County Volunteer Roles for High School Students

High school students in Bergen County, NJ, can earn service hours through youth councils, libraries, hospitals, and food programs via Bergen Volunteers and local listings. These roles are generally flexible for ages 15-18, often with orientations and parent consent required for some. ​ Volunteer Role for Teens in Bergen County NJ Bergen Family Promise Youth [...]

Children/YouthFood/Hunger Relief
Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in Essex, Union, and Somerset Counties, New Jersey [2025]

July 2, 2025

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 ProgramWebsite: https://njecpo.org/community-programs/The four-week summer internship runs from July 7 [...]

Promoting Volunteerism
New Jersey Volunteer Opportunities for NJ Teens (Ages 16–19) For Summer 2025

June 17, 2025

New Jersey Volunteer Opportunities for NJ Teens (Ages 16–19) For Summer 2025

Currently Open/Ongoing Opportunities (Accepting Applications Now) Sources: The information was gathered from New Jersey volunteer opportunity listings and official organization pages, including the NJ High School Volunteers database, VolunteerMatch postings, and press releases from county libraries and hospitals.

Promoting Volunteerism
The Unexpected Returns of Giving Time Away

June 11, 2025

The Unexpected Returns of Giving Time Away

I used to think volunteering was basically just resume padding. Like, another thing to check off the list so college admissions people would think I was a decent human being. Me and basically everyone I knew treated it the same way we treated everything else back then: what’s the minimum I can do to get [...]

Promoting Volunteerism
Summer 2025 Is Here, But It's Not Too Late to Make a Difference: Volunteer Opportunities for Teens in New Jersey

June 3, 2025

Summer 2025 Is Here, But It's Not Too Late to Make a Difference: Volunteer Opportunities for Teens in New Jersey

Hey fellow students! I know summer is already in full swing, but here’s the thing – it’s definitely not too late to set up a meaningful volunteer role that can last just a couple of weeks or stretch through the entire summer1. If you’re a student who has been exploring ways to give back while [...]

Collection DrivesEnvironmental and Animal Welfare
September 18 Youth Service Event: Bringing Laughter to Children with Cancer

September 9, 2024

September 18 Youth Service Event: Bringing Laughter to Children with Cancer

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, recognized every September, aims to spotlight the need for better treatment and support for children battling cancer. It raises awareness, honors those affected, and encourages communities to come together in support of these young patients. In honor of this important month, Jersey Cares is hosting a youth volunteer event on September [...]

Miscellaneous
The President's Volunteer Service Award For NJ High School Students Overview

July 14, 2024

The President's Volunteer Service Award For NJ High School Students Overview

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a prestigious recognition program that honors students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service. Here’s what high school students should know about this award: What is it? The President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 to recognize the important role volunteers play in America’s communities. It [...]

MiscellaneousPromoting Volunteerism
2024 Summer Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in Essex County, NJ

May 30, 2024

2024 Summer Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in Essex County, NJ

Summer is a great time for high school students to engage in meaningful volunteer work. Here are 4 excellent opportunities available in Essex County, NJ: 1. Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Summer Internship Program The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office offers a summer internship program for high school juniors entering their senior year. This four-week program provides [...]

Promoting Volunteerism
5 Benefits Of Volunteering As A High School Student

March 11, 2024

5 Benefits Of Volunteering As A High School Student

Promoting Volunteerism
3 Questions High School Students Should Ask About Volunteer Jobs They Are Considering

January 16, 2024

3 Questions High School Students Should Ask About Volunteer Jobs They Are Considering

Volunteering is a great way for high school students to give back to their community, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience for college applications and resumes. When considering a volunteer opportunity, it’s important to find one that matches your interests, availability, and goals. Here are 3 key questions all high school student volunteers should [...]

MiscellaneousTips
Volunteering Together: How Serving As A Family Can Be Awesome

January 5, 2024

Volunteering Together: How Serving As A Family Can Be Awesome

In the very beginning, years ago, I used to see volunteering as just another item to check off our to-do list. But it’s become one of the most enjoyable and meaningful activities we do as a family. I think more families should discover the many benefits of serving others together. Here are some of the [...]

Promoting Volunteerism
The Ripple Effects of High School Community Service Reach All the Way Across the Globe

November 4, 2023

The Ripple Effects of High School Community Service Reach All the Way Across the Globe

This year I’m on a journey traveling from my hometown in New Jersey all the way to Seoul, South Korea, learning about my heritage and origins culture. One of the things I’ve been reflecting on is that I’ve started to gain a whole new perspective on my experiences volunteering back home. Here are three surprising [...]

MiscellaneousPromoting Volunteerism