Can seniors in high school apply for scholarships based on volunteer work?

I've been really passionate about volunteering throughout high school and I'm wondering if there are scholarships that specifically reward volunteer work. I'm about to enter my senior year, and I'm trying to figure out the best ways to leverage my efforts into financial aid or scholarships for college. Does anyone know of scholarships that place a heavy emphasis on community service? How should I best highlight these experiences in my applications?

Absolutely! Numerous scholarships exist that reward students specifically for their commitment to community service, recognizing how these experiences contribute to personal development and demonstrate a strong sense of social responsibility.

For instance, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards gives scholarships to students based on their community service efforts. The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) also offers scholarships for students who demonstrate a dedication to community service.

Another example is the Bonner Scholars Program, available at several colleges, which provides a need-based scholarship to students who have a high level of commitment to community service and engagement.

As for highlighting these experiences on applications, you should focus not only on describing the volunteer projects themselves but also on explaining the impacts these experiences had on you and your community. Discuss tangible outcomes, if there were any - like raising X amount for a cause or helping Y number of people. Additionally, consider reflecting on what these experiences taught you, how they shaped your perspective, or how they influenced your future goals and values.

Don't forget that your recommendation letters can also underscore your commitment to community service! Letters from supervisors or coordinators at organizations where you volunteered can provide third-party validation of your dedication and achievements in this area.

Remember, while scholarships can significantly help with the cost of college, they are often competitive and so they should be one part of a larger financial aid strategy. Be sure to complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal aid, and consider reaching out to your college’s financial aid office to learn about any institutional aid or scholarships they may offer.