Students and Volunteerism

Many schools are now requiring service hours as a graduation requirement. Why have administrators deemed volunteering an important part of the curriculum? Let’s take a look at a blog from Rosterfy which is a volunteer management firm.

10 Reasons students should volunteer:

1. Meet new people: Volunteering gives young people the opportunity for social interaction outside of the school environment which is proven to improve brain function and increase mental and physical well-being.
2. Become a leader: Students who volunteer find hidden talents, learn how to work with a team, and how to teach others. All these experiences provide leadership opportunities.
3. Give back to the community: Volunteering is a rewarding experience that gives back to those in need and impacts the world. Students who serve find that volunteering helps put their own problems into perspective.
4. Students volunteering stand out from the crowd: The experience gained from volunteering helps students increase their skillset on their resume or LinkedIn that sets them apart. Employers look favorably at students who volunteer as it reflects what type of person they are outside of the workplace.
5. Improve mental and physical health: Those who volunteer experience a positive boost to their mental and physical health. Volunteering offers an outlet for students away from the stresses of school and work.
6. Achieve a balance: Volunteering from a young age encourages students to become socially-minded individuals at every stage of life.
7. Work in a team: The ability to work collaboratively with others is imperative in the workplace today. Volunteering gives students first-hand experience working with others with diverse backgrounds, using communication skills, and developing empathy. Soft skills that employers are looking for in their workforce.
8. Students volunteering can test out a career: Volunteering exposes students to all different types of career opportunities. It also gives them a chance to develop their network.
9. Discover new places: Many times volunteering will take you places you would never be otherwise. It opens up ample opportunities in your community and around the world.
10. Students who volunteer have fun! It is a chance to get away from your daily grind and have exposure to many incredible adventures.