The Benefits of Getting Teens Involved in Community Service

Boarding high schools recognize the benefits of being involved with community service as a teenager. As a result, many of these schools encourage regular community service as a part of life on campus, and may even integrate service requirements into their curricula.

“Community service is an essential way for students to explore their interests, show colleges what they believe in, and define a possible career path,” says Teen Life, a site dedicated to enriching student lives with information about service, STEM and college prep programs. Community service has personal, collegiate and professional benefits for every student who participates.

Personal, Collegiate and Professional Benefits

The personal benefits of community service at boarding high schools include improved communication, problem-solving skills and the development of a social responsibility mindset. Teens who participate in regular community service are exposed to more diversity and have additional opportunities for building relationships with one another, writes Teen Life.

The website says students who participate in community service also stand out from others during the college application process and when applying for jobs. Students who engage in community service have a chance to develop their interests and passions while cultivating skills necessary for working effectively on teams, says Teen Life.

Life-Long Benefits

As The New York Times writes, students engaged in community service are more likely to volunteer and be involved in other civic activities throughout the entirety of their lives. Additionally, when students participate abroad in community service projects they are more likely to continue to do community service at home.

Boarding high schools recognize the benefits of community service on students, and place an increased emphasis on regularly participating in service acts. “By engaging in volunteer work, teens have an opportunity to learn experientially….These experiences allow them to make more informed choices about college and career options as well as instilling a lifelong interest in giving back,” says Teen Life.

Nicole Donaldson is an academic writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Wasatch Academy. Follow on Twitter.