Teens Go Beyond Basic Volunteering to Make a Difference

How Inspiring Teens GO BEYOND BASIC VOLUNTEERING to Transform their Communities

Creating Lasting Change with the Right Partnerships

Volunteering isn’t just about filling existing roles—it’s about identifying gaps, finding creative solutions, and working alongside nonprofits to drive meaningful change. Many organizations rely on volunteers not just for manpower but for fresh ideas, specialized skills, and leadership. By seeking out the right nonprofit partners, you can go beyond one-time service and help shape initiatives that address real community needs. Whether you’re organizing a new program, offering professional expertise, or mobilizing resources, your contributions can transform local efforts into lasting impact.

Here are a few inspiring examples of teens who partnered with local nonprofits and led impactful projects.

CASE STUDY 1: Addressing Food Waste in Suburban Atlanta

BACKGROUND

In the suburban communities surrounding Atlanta, Georgia, food waste poses a significant challenge. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 30% of food produced in Georgia goes to waste, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and economic inefficiencies. Meanwhile, over 10% of families in suburban Atlanta experience food insecurity, struggling to access consistent and nutritious meals. Many residents are unaware of how food waste exacerbates climate change or how small changes in behavior can make a difference.

The Atlanta Compost Collective (ACC), a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable composting practices, has been working to reduce food waste by turning discarded organic material into nutrient-rich compost for community gardens. However, ACC has struggled to engage teenagers, a group that could be instrumental in advocating for and adopting sustainable waste practices.

PROJECT PLAN

The proposed volunteering project, “Teens Turning Waste into Wealth,” will recruit high school students to lead a food waste education and composting initiative in suburban Atlanta. The project will follow these steps:

Develop a Food Waste Curriculum
- Research and design interactive lessons that meet Georgia’s Environmental Science and Health Education standards.
- Collaborate with ACC experts to integrate composting techniques into the curriculum.
Recruit and Train Peer Educators
- Organize workshops to train high school volunteers to deliver the curriculum to local schools, churches, and community centers.
- Use social media and school networks to promote the project and attract diverse participants.
Launch Community Composting Hubs
- Partner with ACC to establish small composting hubs at local schools and community centers.
- Equip the hubs with tools and signage explaining composting processes.
Host Monthly Food Waste Workshops
- Facilitate hands-on workshops where community members learn to compost, reduce waste, and repurpose food scraps.
- Gather pre- and post-workshop surveys to measure changes in knowledge and behavior.
Create an Online Resource Library
- Compile lesson plans, instructional videos, and composting guides into a free, user-friendly digital repository on ACC’s website.

IMPACT

The project will reduce food waste in suburban Atlanta while fostering environmental awareness and sustainable habits among teenagers and community members. Key anticipated outcomes include:

Diverting at least 5,000 pounds of food waste from landfills in the first year through the composting hubs.
Increasing composting participation among 20% of residents at targeted schools and community centers.
Enhancing knowledge of food waste and composting practices among over 500 attendees of workshops and peer-led lessons.
Providing ACC with a sustainable model for youth engagement that can be replicated in other suburbs.

By empowering teens as educators and environmental stewards, the project addresses immediate waste concerns while cultivating a long-term culture of sustainability in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

The teen proposing this initiative, Ava Patel, is a 16-year-old high school junior with a strong background in environmental advocacy and education:

Leadership Experience: As president of her school’s Environmental Club, Ava led a campus-wide waste audit, reducing the school’s landfill contribution by 15%.
Community Engagement: Ava spearheaded a local “Zero Waste Week,” engaging 300 families in waste reduction challenges.
Educational Expertise: Ava has taught sustainability workshops to middle school students as part of a local mentorship program.
Technical Skills: Ava’s science fair project on compost optimization earned her regional recognition, demonstrating her ability to translate scientific concepts into actionable practices.
Passion for Change: Inspired by her immigrant grandparents’ resourcefulness, Ava is deeply committed to addressing food waste and empowering her peers to take action.

Ava’s unique blend of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and passion makes her the ideal candidate to lead this transformative project.

CASE STUDY 2: TechConnect Club – Empowering Seniors to Navigate the Digital World

BACKGROUND

In suburban Denver, Colorado, many senior citizens face difficulties using modern technology, which can lead to isolation, frustration, and missed opportunities to access essential services. According to the Pew Research Center, while 75% of seniors own a smartphone, fewer than 40% feel confident using it effectively. This gap prevents them from benefiting from conveniences like telemedicine, digital library resources, and secure online shopping.

Additionally, seniors are disproportionately targeted by online scams and phishing attacks, leading to financial losses and a growing mistrust of technology. While there are occasional technology classes for seniors in the area, no sustainable program provides ongoing, personalized support to help them keep up with evolving tools and apps.

PROJECT PLAN

The TechConnect Club is a student-led organization that brings together a team of high school volunteers with varied skills to support seniors in learning and using technology safely and effectively. The club’s activities include:

Building the Team
- Founder Jordan Lee, a 17-year-old high school senior, recruited a team of 12 students with diverse expertise.
  - Some members excel at using popular apps and digital tools like eBook readers, video calling platforms, and online shopping portals.
  - Others have experience in safe online practices, password management, and scam prevention.
  - A few members bring specialized skills, such as basic coding knowledge or familiarity with healthcare apps.
- Together, the team ensures the club can address a broad range of senior citizens’ technical needs.
Personalized Tech Support
- Host weekly “Tech Help Hours” at local libraries, senior centers, and retirement communities.
- Pair seniors with student volunteers for one-on-one assistance tailored to their unique challenges, such as setting up devices, downloading apps, or learning to make secure online purchases.
Group Workshops and Classes
- Offer monthly workshops on relevant topics, including:
  - Navigating smartphones (e.g., making video calls, managing photos, and downloading audiobooks).
  - Staying safe online (e.g., creating strong passwords, recognizing scams, and avoiding phishing attempts).
  - Using technology to enhance daily life (e.g., online grocery ordering, accessing telehealth services).
- Collect feedback from seniors to adapt topics to their needs and interests.
Sustainability and Scalability
- Develop an online resource library with how-to guides and video tutorials to complement in-person sessions.
- Create a “TechConnect Club Handbook” to help future student leaders replicate the model, ensuring the project continues after the current team graduates.
Community Events
- Host biannual “Tech Fairs” where seniors can learn about new devices, apps, and services in a friendly, supportive environment.
- Include opportunities for intergenerational dialogue to strengthen community bonds.

IMPACT

The TechConnect Club aims to reduce the digital divide for seniors in suburban Denver, enabling them to confidently use technology and access its many benefits. Expected outcomes include:

Enhanced Skills: At least 150 seniors will gain new skills to navigate apps, stay safe online, and use devices effectively within the first year.
Greater Confidence: Seniors will report feeling more confident and independent in managing their daily digital needs.
Safer Practices: Workshops will significantly reduce vulnerability to online scams and phishing attempts.
Lasting Impact: By creating a scalable model, the club ensures continued support for seniors in the community and a steady pipeline of student volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Jordan Lee, the founder of TechConnect Club, is a 17-year-old high school senior with a strong ability to connect with peers and seniors alike. Jordan recognized the need for this project while helping his grandparents set up telehealth apps and saw the potential for a team effort to address this widespread issue.

Leadership Skills: Jordan organized a diverse group of student volunteers, delegating responsibilities based on individual strengths to ensure the club serves seniors’ varied needs effectively.
Tech-Savvy Expertise: While not a coder, Jordan is adept at using everyday technology like smartphones, tablets, and apps, making him relatable to seniors unfamiliar with these tools.
Collaborative Approach: Jordan’s team includes:
- Students experienced in teaching safe online practices and password management.
- A member with knowledge of healthcare apps like MyChart.
- A few students with coding skills who assist with troubleshooting and creating easy-to-understand guides for seniors.
Passion for Change: Inspired by his grandparents’ challenges, Jordan is committed to bridging the generational digital divide and making technology accessible to all.

The collaborative structure of TechConnect Club ensures that seniors benefit from a wide range of expertise while providing volunteers with meaningful opportunities to develop leadership, empathy, and teaching skills.

CASE STUDY 3: Hub City Urban Farm in Spartanburg County

BACKGROUND

According to the USDA, 13% of Spartanburg city residents—more than 5000 people— are living in food deserts (low-income areas that are further than 1 mile from the nearest sufficient food outlet). Additionally, over 15% of Spartanburg citizens live below the poverty line. These statistics show that a significant percentage of Spartanburg County residents lack economic and logistic access to healthy food. I have been very impressed with how Spartanburg’s Hub City Urban Farm (HCUF), a nonprofit teaching farm in downtown Spartanburg, has worked to increase food access in Spartanburg County and to educate citizens about healthy food cultivation and consumption. All Urban Farm produce is given to the HCUF Mobile Market, which distributes fresh produce to “food deserts” throughout Spartanburg County. ISSUE HCUF wants to expand its educational outreach to nearby school districts, but has struggled to convince schools to use their time and resources to participate in programs that do not teach to South Carolina curricular standards.

PROJECT PLAN

Create a portfolio of educational lessons for HCUF that aligns with South Carolina’s STEM curriculum

Analyze SC STEM curriculum for elementary and middle schools and select standards teachable on the Urban Farm
Work on the farm to learn appropriate farming techniques that can be implemented in standardized lessons
Design farm activities that teach the standards
Test the effectiveness of the lessons by teaching them to students enrolled in Spartanburg schools’ summer programs
Compile lesson plans into an online resource on the HCUF website so teachers can choose activities that will most benefit their classes.

IMPACT

Classes participating in the HCUF educational program will work as volunteers on the farm, learn about food development and healthy eating, and complete an activity that communicates an SC STEM standard. By teaching required state standards in creative, hands-on ways, my lessons will incentivize schools to participate in the program, thus expanding HCUF’s impact on the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

● Three years of Envirothon competitions have given me extensive knowledge of sustainable farming and environmental practices necessary to design farm activities.

● I have gardening experience through creation of a pollinator garden (Gold Award project).

● I have educational experience and connections to Spartanburg school districts through my near-peer book club program.

CASE STUDY 4: Music performances for seniors

Background

Senior citizens residing in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities often face challenges that limit their ability to attend cultural events, such as live music performances. For many, mobility restrictions, health conditions, and a lack of transportation isolate them from engaging with the vibrant experiences they once enjoyed. This lack of access to live music not only diminishes their quality of life but also affects their emotional and social well-being. Studies have shown that live music can improve mental health, foster social connections, and evoke cherished memories for seniors. Recognizing this gap, a teenager in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., has proposed a project to bring live music performances directly to these facilities, providing an opportunity for residents to reconnect with the joy and vitality of music.

Project Plan

The proposed project, titled “Notes of Joy”, aims to create a revolving group of musically talented and skilled teenagers who will perform at local assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. The teen leader plans to:

Identify Facilities: Research and reach out to assisted living and skilled nursing facilities in the Washington, D.C., suburbs to establish partnerships. The goal is to identify facilities interested in hosting live music performances.
Recruit Volunteers: Use school networks, local music schools, and community organizations to recruit musically skilled teenagers who play instruments or sing. Emphasis will be placed on including a variety of musical talents to diversify performances.
Schedule Performances: Coordinate with facility staff to set up a schedule of performances, ensuring times and dates are convenient for residents and volunteers.
Curate Programs: Collaborate with volunteers to determine an engaging and varied program for each performance. This may include classical music, popular hits from the residents’ youth, and holiday-themed sets, depending on the time of year.
Facilitate Attendance: Ensure musician volunteers are available for scheduled performances by maintaining clear communication and providing reminders. Arrange transportation or carpooling options for those who need assistance.
Engage Residents: After performances, volunteers will interact with residents, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and feedback.

Impact

The anticipated outcomes of “Notes of Joy” include:

Improved Quality of Life: Residents will experience increased happiness, reduced feelings of isolation, and improved mental well-being from live music performances.
Enhanced Community Connections: Teen volunteers will foster intergenerational relationships, bridging gaps between younger and older generations.
Development of Leadership Skills: The teen leading the project will gain invaluable experience in planning, organizing, and managing a community service initiative.
Promotion of Volunteering: The project will inspire other teens to recognize the impact of volunteering and encourage ongoing community engagement.

Qualifications

The project’s leader, Alex Harper, is a 16-year-old high school junior with a passion for music and community service. Alex has been playing the violin for eight years, performing in the school orchestra and at regional competitions. Additionally, Alex has:

Leadership Experience: Served as president of the school’s Music Club, organizing events and recruiting members.
Organizational Skills: Successfully coordinated a fundraiser that raised $3,000 for a local food bank, showcasing the ability to manage logistics and motivate peers.
Empathy and Communication Skills: Volunteered at a local senior center, building rapport with elderly residents and understanding their needs.
Commitment to Excellence: Maintains a high GPA while balancing extracurricular activities, demonstrating strong time management and dedication.

With a deep understanding of music’s power to uplift and a proven track record of leadership, Alex is well-equipped to bring “Notes of Joy” to life, enriching the lives of both senior residents and teen volunteers.

CASE STUDY 5: Local Historical Society

Case Study: Teenager’s Proposal to Lead a Volunteering Project at a Local Historical Society

Background

In Northern California, the history of local communities is a tapestry woven from the diverse experiences of people over more than a century. Yet, many residents remain unaware of this rich narrative, which encompasses stories of resilience, innovation, and cultural evolution. This disconnect is due, in part, to the limited accessibility of archival materials and oral histories. As a result, the public lacks the opportunity to appreciate the progress made toward American ideals and values, including equality, freedom, and opportunity. By engaging with these stories, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of past eras, fostering greater appreciation for the lives and opportunities they enjoy today. Addressing this issue could bridge generational and cultural gaps while cultivating a sense of connection and progress within the community.

Project Plan

To address these challenges, a dedicated teenager proposes to lead a volunteering initiative that will increase archival access at the local historical society. This project aims to preserve and digitize historical materials while leveraging modern technology to make them accessible and engaging for the community. The proposed plan includes the following components:

Digitization of Archival Materials
- Scanning photographs, documents, and other fragile items to create high-resolution digital copies.
- Utilizing speech-to-text technology to transcribe decades-old oral interviews, making them searchable and easier to interpret.
Editing Video and Audio Content
- Cleaning up and editing archival audio and video files to improve clarity and accessibility.
- Segmenting lengthy recordings into shorter, digestible clips, annotated with summaries and timestamps.
Website Development and Resource Library
- Learning and applying web development skills to enhance the historical society’s website.
- Designing and building a searchable, filterable Resource Library that allows users to explore primary documents and oral histories by keyword, date, and topic.
- Improving the website’s search engine optimization (SEO) to increase visibility and ensure these resources reach a broader audience.
Social Media Campaign and Content Marketing
- Creating engaging posts and campaigns to raise awareness of the historical society’s resources.
- Sharing stories, facts, and archival snippets on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to attract younger audiences and foster community interest.

Impact

The project is expected to yield significant benefits for the community:

Enhanced Accessibility: The digitized and searchable archives will make historical materials available to researchers, educators, students, and the general public.
Increased Awareness: By amplifying the visibility of local history through digital platforms, the community will develop a stronger connection to its past.
Educational Value: Teachers and students will gain access to a wealth of primary sources, enriching the curriculum and fostering critical thinking.
Community Engagement: Highlighting diverse narratives will promote understanding and inclusivity, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage.
Skill Development: The teenager and other volunteers will gain valuable experience in technology, marketing, and project management.

Qualifications

The project’s leader, 16-year-old Alex Ramirez, brings an impressive blend of technical expertise and community commitment. Alex is:

Tech-Savvy: Proficient in Python, HTML, and CSS, Alex has built websites for school clubs and has experience working with database management and digital transcription tools.
Creative: As the editor of their high school’s literary magazine, Alex has honed skills in storytelling and content creation.
Passionate About History: Alex has won awards in history competitions and has a personal interest in uncovering untold stories of the past.
Organized and Driven: Having previously led a successful fundraiser for local charities, Alex is adept at coordinating teams, managing deadlines, and achieving goals.

By combining these skills with a clear vision for the project, Alex is well-equipped to lead this initiative and make a lasting impact on the community’s connection to its history.

Creating Lasting Change with the Right Partnerships

Understanding your community’s needs is just the beginning—the real impact comes when you take action. While many people look for existing volunteer roles, a powerful way to make a difference is by partnering with nonprofit organizations to create new initiatives or expand their reach.

Samaritan Scout is a great place to start. Unlike traditional volunteer listing sites, Samaritan Scout aggregates opportunities directly from nonprofit websites so you can see where help is needed most. More importantly, it allows you to identify organizations working on causes that matter to you and explore ways to contribute beyond structured volunteer postings. Whether that means proposing a new project, offering specialized skills, or coordinating a group effort, you can collaborate with nonprofits to create meaningful change in your community.

To take the next step:

Explore local nonprofits on Samaritan Scout to see who’s already making an impact.
Reach out directly to discuss potential partnerships or new initiatives.
Leverage your skills and network to support organizations in innovative ways.

By engaging deeply and working hand-in-hand with nonprofits, you can help shape solutions that have a lasting and sustainable impact. Start today—your community needs you!