Volunteering During a Gap Year After High School

I'm planning to take a gap year after high school and want to spend it volunteering. What are some good volunteer programs or organizations to look into? How can I find opportunities that align with my interests?

Volunteering during a gap year is a noble choice and it can indeed be very fulfilling, not to mention the advantages it can provide when it comes time to apply for college or jobs. As for finding volunteer opportunities that align with your interests, it's best to start by identifying what those interests are. Are you passionate about environmental conservation, healthcare, education, social justice, or something else? Your chosen field will greatly influence the kind of volunteering work you'll be seeking.

For instance, if you're interested in global health, organizations like Project HOPE offer volunteer opportunities to work in healthcare systems abroad. If environmental conservation is your passion, consider finding a placement with Earthwatch or Conservation Volunteers International Program, which have projects across the globe.

If you're interested in education, organizations such as City Year, AmeriCorps, or WorldTeach offer volunteering opportunities in teaching or mentoring youth.

Going local can also be a rewarding experience. Local food banks, homeless shelters, and animal shelters are often looking for volunteers. In such instances, you would be directly impacting your local community.

You can use volunteer matching websites to find specific opportunities that align with your interests. Websites like Idealist or VolunteerMatch let you search for volunteer opportunities by cause and location.

Just remember, it's important to research these programs thoroughly before making any commitments. Look for reviews or ask to speak to past volunteers to ensure a good fit for you. Also, keep in mind that some of these programs may require a financial contribution. Planning ahead and budgeting for these costs can be integral to making your gap year successful and impactful. Be sure to clarify any financial commitments before signing up.