I've been actively volunteering throughout high school, and I'm wondering if there are scholarships that specifically value or require volunteer work. It would be great to leverage my volunteer experiences for college scholarships. If anyone knows of any organizations or scholarship programs that focus on volunteer activities, please let me know. Also, any tips on how to effectively highlight these experiences in my applications would be appreciated!
Sure, there are several scholarships that take into consideration your volunteer activities. Here are a few:
1. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a well-known program recognizing middle level and high school students for outstanding volunteer service at the local, state and national level. High school awardees receive either $1,000 at the state level or $5,000 at the national level, along with a chance for an additional monetary prize with a trip to Washington D.C.
2. The AXA Achievement Scholarship awards students who demonstrate ambition, drive, and have made a significant impact on their communities through their service work.
3. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program awards students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship, often demonstrated through volunteer activities.
4. The Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship recognizes youth volunteers who are committed to serving veterans.
In terms of effectively highlighting these experiences in your applications, I recommend focusing on the impact of your volunteer work. Quantify it if you can - for example, how many people you served, how much money you raised, or how changed a process for the better.
Also, focus on personal growth and lessons learned when describing your volunteer experiences. It's not just about the time commitment, but what you got out of that experience and how it fostered your personal and growth and development.
Lastly, don't forget to mention how your volunteer experiences will contribute to the college community. Whether it's starting a new service project on campus or joining a student organization that focuses on volunteer work, colleges will appreciate your desire to continue to serve others.
Remember to make your narrative distinctive and personal to you, so that it reflects your unique journey and commitment to volunteering. Good luck!
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