As a high school student, spending your summer in a service program is a powerful way to do something that matters while developing skills that you’ll carry far beyond the classroom. These programs allow you to contribute to real community needs, whether through education, environmental work, public health, or social initiatives, so your time has a clear purpose and impact. Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in real-world settings.
Why is choosing a summer service program valuable?
Summer service programs stand out because they let you build real skills while making a genuine difference. You gain hands-on experience working with social organizations, communities, or nonprofits while learning how projects are planned, executed, and evaluated from start to finish. These experiences strengthen your academic profile by demonstrating initiative, empathy, and long-term commitment, qualities that colleges and scholarship committees value highly.
To help you find opportunities that offer the right mix of impact, structure, and meaningful engagement, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best summer service programs for high school students. Check more related blogs here.
15 Summer Service Programs for High School Students
1. AmeriCorps NCCC Summer of Service
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: All participants will receive meals and housing, transportation, a modest living stipend, and a post-service benefit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – August 6 (tentative)
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative)
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 18 and 26
The AmeriCorps NCCC Summer of Service is a full-time, two-month program for students ages 18–26 who want hands-on experience in environmental and community service. You begin with training at a regional campus in Aurora, Colorado, or Vinton, Iowa, before being placed on a team of 6–12 peers to service projects across the United States. Projects focus on areas such as conservation, renewable energy, disaster response, affordable housing, and environmental education, giving you exposure to a wide range of real-world challenges. No prior experience is required, and you’ll receive ongoing training from NCCC staff and project partners. You will be provided with housing, meals, transportation, a living stipend, and a post-service education award.
2. Putney Student Travel’s Service Programs
Location: Multiple locations throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on the project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive admissions
Dates: Varies based on the program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Putney Student Travel’s Service Programs offer middle and high school students summer experiences focused on meaningful community-based service projects around the world. You’ll work alongside local partners on initiatives such as construction, education, or conservation, while living simply and engaging deeply with the local culture. The programs place an emphasis on mutual learning and collaboration rather than short-term aid, encouraging respect, reflection, and cultural understanding. With experienced leaders guiding the experience, you’ll develop independence, teamwork, and global awareness in a supportive environment. You will also earn documented community service hours, making the program both impactful and academically valuable.
3. Rustic Pathways Service Trips
Location: Various locations. Check details here
Cost/Stipend: Programs start at $2,800 (Scholarships & need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots available
Dates: 2-6 weeks program. Multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 12–18
Rustic Pathways Service Trips program allows high school students to engage in hands-on community service while experiencing the local culture firsthand. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects related to education, conservation, and community development. The program emphasizes authentic service rather than tourism, with supervised teams and guided reflection built into the experience. Living within the community helps you gain a deeper understanding of local cultures and global issues. Along the way, you’ll build leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills valued by colleges and future employers.
4. DOROT Academic Year Teen Internship
Location: DOROT, Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; group interview required
Dates: Varies by session
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students
The DOROT Academic Year Teen Internship is a semester-long community service program for high school students in grades 9–12 that focuses on building meaningful connections with older adults. You’ll take part in structured inter-generational activities such as providing technology support, leading games including chess, and helping organize social programs that bring people together. Each role is designed to foster relationship-building, empathy, and mutual learning between teens and seniors. You’ll receive training at the start and ongoing guidance, and all participation counts toward verified service hours. The program runs during the school year, with flexible schedules that allow you to choose activities based on your interests and availability.
5. UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (limited number of spots each summer)
Dates: Orientation dates usually take place in the second week of June, and the participants must complete 50 volunteer hours by August 31
Application Deadline: The applications usually open in January and close in early spring
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program offers high school students hands-on exposure to a hospital environment as they support patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. As a Volunteen, you might help with patient transport, wayfinding, delivering mail and newspapers, or assisting at information desks across hospital departments. The program requires a minimum commitment of 50 volunteer hours and offers flexible scheduling during the summer. Through this experience, you develop communication, professionalism, and empathy, while gaining insights into how large medical centers operate day to day. Due to limited spots and high demand, the program is selective, and applying early is strongly recommended.
6. Texas Health Resources High School Student Service Learning Program (HSSSL)
Location: Texas Health Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (10%)
Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Current high school student and at least 16 years old. Check more details here
The Texas Health Resources High School Student Service Learning Program (HSSSL) is a summer volunteer program for high school students interested in exploring careers in healthcare. You’ll volunteer alongside Texas Health Dallas staff in both clinical and non-clinical hospital departments, gaining exposure to patient care as well as behind-the-scenes operations that keep a hospital running. The program emphasizes values such as service, compassion, and professionalism while helping you understand how healthcare teams work together to support patients. Through structured assignments, you’ll get a preview of a wide range of healthcare careers and see how clinical and business functions support patient outcomes. Because placement opportunities are limited, the program is selective and competitive.
7. VolunTEEN Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Location: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta centers (Arthur M. Blank Hospital, Hughes Spalding, Scottish Rite) in Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 2 – 6
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18. Check more details here
The VolunTEEN Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is an eight-week summer volunteer opportunity for high school students ages 15–18 who want first-hand exposure to pediatric healthcare. You commit to one three-hour shift per week, working in areas such as patient units, playrooms, and front desks throughout the hospital. As a VolunTEEN, you’ll support hospital staff while engaging young patients through crafts, games, and friendly interactions, helping create a welcoming environment for children and their families. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and responsibility within a real hospital setting. Running during June and July, VolunTEEN requires consistent participation, with limited absences.
8. ED Student Volunteer Trainee Program
Location: Primarily Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year, including Fall (September – December), Winter/Spring (January – May), and Summer (May/June – July/August)
Application Deadline: Fall: July 31 | Winter/Spring: November 30 | Summer: March 31
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age. Check more details here
The ED Student Volunteer Trainee Program is an 8–10 week volunteer opportunity for high school and college students who are interested in government, education, and public policy. As a volunteer with the U.S. Department of Education, you’ll support the agency’s mission by assisting with projects related to education programs, research, communications, or administrative work. The program provides firsthand exposure to how federal education policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated. In addition to on-the-job experience, you’ll also take part in professional development opportunities such as workshops, mentorship, and networking sessions. This experience helps you build practical skills while gaining a clearer understanding of careers in public service and education policy.
9. Global Leadership Adventure (GLA) Hawaii: Island Service Adventure
Location: Hawaii
Cost/Stipend: $5,499 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / Student/Staff Ratio: 6 to 1
Dates: July 1 – 10
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18
The Global Leadership Adventure (GLA) Hawaii: Island Service Adventure is a 10-day program that blends environmental service, cultural learning, and outdoor exploration on Hawaiʻi Island. You’ll work alongside local organizations on hands-on conservation projects focused on protecting forests, wildlife, and marine ecosystems. The program emphasizes Hawaiian traditions and values, with activities such as hula, lei making, and learning about aloha ʻāina, or respect for the land. Beyond service work, you’ll explore iconic sites such as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, ʻAkaka Falls, Kealakekua Bay, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Adventure activities include snorkeling, hiking, beach time, and stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the world.
10. Children’s National Summer High School Volunteer
Location: Children’s National Hospital, Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: 6 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February
Eligibility: Current 9th – 11th graders who are at least 15 years old
The Children’s National Summer High School Volunteer Program is a two-week, structured experience that introduces high school students to the work environment inside a pediatric hospital. As a volunteer, you assist with hospitality-focused roles such as greeting patients and visitors, supporting wayfinding, and helping departments across the hospital. The program also includes guest lectures, workshops, and talks led by physicians and healthcare professionals that expose you to a wide range of medical careers. Throughout the program, you collaborate with other students on a group project designed to improve the patient or family experience at Children’s National. Supervised by the Volunteer Services team, the program helps you build communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while exploring future pathways in healthcare.
11. Los Angeles Public Library Teen Volunteer
Location: 73 locations of the Los Angeles Public Library
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment (over 2,600 teens)
Dates: Varies depending on the opportunity
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Volunteers between the ages of 11 and 19
The Los Angeles Public Library Teen Volunteer programs give high school students multiple ways to earn community service hours while building leadership and civic engagement skills across LAPL’s 73 branches. The Teen Volunteer track (ages 14–19) focuses on hands-on support, where you help librarians organize teen spaces, assist with programs, support summer reading initiatives, or serve as a homework helper. Teen Council (ages 11–19) is a leadership-based option that allows you to help plan library programs, suggest book purchases, write for the Teen Blog, and collaborate on community-focused projects. For students interested in civic action, Teens Leading Change (TLC) (ages 14–19) gives you the opportunity to identify local issues and design projects that create meaningful community impact. All programs provide volunteer credit, skill development in teamwork and communication, and insights into how libraries support local communities. Interested students typically apply through their local branch by completing an intake form and waiver with a librarian.
12. Animal Humane Society Student Volunteer Experience
Location: Various Animal Humane Society
Cost/Stipend: $50 / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Student volunteers must commit to three-hour shifts, three times per week, from June through mid-August
Application Deadline: Application opens in March
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 and recent high school graduates
The Animal Humane Society Student Volunteer Experience is a summer-long program for high school students entering grades 10–12 and recent graduates who are interested in animal welfare. As a trained volunteer, you can serve as an Adoption Floor Assistant or Animal Care Assistant, supporting daily shelter operations. Your responsibilities might include assisting visitors, caring for animals, cleaning and organizing spaces, and helping with animal socialization and enrichment activities. The program emphasizes responsibility, teamwork, and compassionate care while giving you hands-on experience in a professional animal shelter environment.
13. Boys & Girls Clubs of America Volunteer Program
Location: Opportunities vary by local needs and zip code
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Spaces might be limited by local Club availability
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: Typically ages 16+
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Volunteer Program gives high school students the opportunity to make a direct, positive impact in their local communities. As a volunteer, you might help with homework and tutoring, coach sports, assist with arts and recreation activities, or support after-school programs. Local Clubs provide a safe, welcoming environment where young people can learn, grow, and build confidence, and volunteers play a key role in that mission. Through regular interaction with younger students, you’ll develop mentoring, communication, and leadership skills that are valuable in school and beyond. With Clubs located across the United States, this program offers flexible and accessible volunteer opportunities for students who want to give back while gaining meaningful service experience.
14. American Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
Location: Opportunities vary by local needs and zip code. Check details here
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Spaces might be limited by local demand
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: High school and college students
American Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities for Teens enables high school students to get involved in meaningful service while developing leadership and teamwork skills. As a youth volunteer, you can support initiatives such as blood drives, disaster preparedness, community education, and relief efforts that directly serve people in need. You can also join or start a Red Cross Club at your school, working on service and awareness projects that benefit your local community. Through these experiences, you’ll learn how to work with people from diverse backgrounds and help mobilize communities during times of need.
15. Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer Program
Location: Available across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No competitive acceptance rate
Dates: Ongoing year-round, including summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Multiple opportunities for high school students
Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer program allows high school students to serve their community by helping build or repair safe, affordable homes for families in need. You might volunteer on construction sites, assist with home repairs, or support Habitat’s mission through work at a local ReStore. Working alongside other volunteers and future homeowners helps you better understand housing insecurity and the impact of stable living conditions. You’ll gain hands-on skills, confidence, and a strong sense of accomplishment through meaningful, physical work. The program also encourages group volunteering, making it easy to get involved with friends, family, or school groups. Overall, Habitat for Humanity offers a practical way to contribute to long-term community development while learning through service.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, while exploring how research can address real-world societal challenges. You can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
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