Career path
Social Impact Opportunities for High School Students
Students who want to change their communities need real outlets. These social impact programs, nonprofits, and fellowships help high schoolers turn passion for a cause into measurable change.
Youth Civic Leadership Academy (YCLA)
City of Pittsburgh
Selected high school students participate in a 10‑week program that includes weekly workshops on public policy, a mentorship with a city council member, and a capstone project where they design a community improvement proposal presented to city officials.
High School Volunteers Program
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Students assist the cancer center’s patient services, greeting families, delivering activity packs to pediatric units, and helping with data‑entry for research studies. Duties are performed on the main campus under the supervision of the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Liberty Science Center Volunteer
Liberty Science Center
Share your passion for STEM as a Liberty Science Center Volunteer! Volunteers interact directly with LSC’s guests, helping them get the most out of every visit. Our volunteers receive training and experience in customer service—and they have a lot of fun! Join us, and be a part of LSC’s mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Princeton Learning Experience International School
Princeton Learning Experience International School
Princeton Learning Experience (PLE) International School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit K-12 school registered with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), USA. PLE helps youth and adults in the U.S. and other countries learn and develop advanced English reading/writing, STEM, liberal arts, and speaking skills via onsite or online classes, workshops, and communication media. PLE is located in the same city as Princeton University, a famous Ivy League school in the United States, and close to the American metropolitan cities of New York and Philadelphia. It has a high-quality educational environment and rich humanistic and historical resources.
Leadership in the Business World
Wharton Global Youth
The Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW) Summer Program is an intensive pre-college experience that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of business through Wharton-level coursework, case studies, and collaborative projects. Participants explore topics such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and leadership while working with peers from around the world. The program develops analytical thinking, teamwork, and business leadership skills through a rigorous and immersive academic environment.
Leadership Institute Program
Brown University
The Leadership Institute at Brown University is a summer program that helps students strengthen their leadership, communication, and collaboration skills through interactive workshops and team-based projects. Participants explore real-world challenges, develop strategies for effective leadership, and learn from experienced instructors in a collaborative academic environment. The program emphasizes critical thinking, confidence, and ethical decision-making while preparing students to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.
Startup Incubator
Young Founders Lab
Young Founders Lab is an entrepreneurship program that helps high school students turn ideas into real businesses through hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaboration. Participants develop practical skills in areas such as product development, marketing, pitching, and problem-solving while working alongside other aspiring founders. The program encourages innovation, leadership, and an entrepreneurial mindset by guiding students from concept to launch.
LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program
LaunchX
LaunchX is an entrepreneurship and innovation program for high school students that helps participants develop business skills through hands-on experiences. Students work in teams to solve real-world problems, build startup ideas, create prototypes, and learn from mentors while strengthening leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking skills.
Philadelphia Youth Leadership Corps (PYLC)
Outward Bound
High school students participate in a 10-day leadership development program, learning new skills and challenging themselves in various outdoor activities.
Teen Leadership Programs
Greater Philadelphia YMCA
High school students participate in leadership development programs, learning new skills and challenging themselves in various career and civic engagement pathways.
Legacy Youth Leadership Program
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
High school students in the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute's Legacy Youth Leadership Program participate in weekly workshops and internships to develop leadership skills and knowledge about African American history and culture.
High School Internship Program
Jersey 1st
Jersey 1st interns analyze legislation, write reports, develop advocacy campaigns, and give presentations to raise awareness about the impact of overtaxation and misused state resources.
American Red Cross Teen Volunteer
American Red Cross
Red Cross youth volunteers learn leadership skills, work with diverse groups, and make a positive impact in their communities through hands-on volunteer work.
YouthBridge-NY Fellowship
YouthBridge-NY
YouthBridge-NY's two-year Fellowship program provides high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds with intensive trainings on leadership and diversity.
Summer Camp Counselor
West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen
Counselors at camp volunteer for the duration of the camp and are responsible for supporting campers. This is a different experience from being a staff member, who is employed for the entire summer.
High School and College Student Internship Program
City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge
The East Baton Rouge Parish internship program offers high school students hands-on work experience in various industries, allowing them to explore career interests, develop skills, and make professional connections.
SF YouthWorks & MYEEP
The Japanese Community Youth Council
SF YouthWorks provides paid job readiness training, workshops, and internships at various SF City Departments, including the Public Utilities Commission and the SF International Airport.
Environmental Education Internship
Save The Bay
Save The Bay offers internships for students interested in education. Interns assist with environmental educational programs for kindergarten through high school and perform administrative tasks. They also have the opportunity to work at the Newport Aquarium or afterschool programs.
High School Internship
PawsChicago
High school interns at PAWS Chicago work under staff supervision, performing tasks like cleaning, feeding, and walking dogs at the animal shelter.
The Summer Youth Employment Program
Project Self-Sufficiency
The Summer Youth Employment Program at Project Self-Sufficiency provides rising high school sophomores and juniors with skills assessments, resume and cover letter writing, and on-the-job experience.
Get Inspired Houston (GIH) Internship
Sewa Houston
Get Inspired Houston is a summer internship program that lets young adults and college students help immigrant and refugee communities. They'll gain experience in non-profit work and contribute to ongoing community projects.
Internship Program
Oak Hill
Oak Hill offers a range of services for people with disabilities, from newborns to seniors. Students can participate in internships in areas such as sports and fitness, assistive technology, and administrative work.
Teen Internship
St. Joseph County Public Library
As an intern, you will assist an Associate Librarian in planning and running daily activities Monday through Friday. This experience allows you to learn about the neighborhood youth and provide fun activities for the community.
Summer Youth Employment Program
Atlantic County Workforce Development Board
High school students aged 16-24 can work part-time for local businesses for eight weeks during the summer, earning up to $3,200 and gaining valuable work experience.
Internship Program
Special Olympics Connecticut
Special Olympics Connecticut offers job opportunities and academic credit or work experience for those who want to make a difference in people's lives.
Teen Jobs
Chicago Park District
The city offers summer jobs for 16-year-olds and up, including lifeguarding, recreation leadership, and laboring, giving students the opportunity to earn money and make their community a better place.
Zoo Ambassador
Franklin Park Zoo
High school students can volunteer at Franklin Park Zoo's Butterfly Hollow exhibit to learn about butterflies, pollinators, and their habitats while assisting with exhibit maintenance and guest services.
TRIO Upward Bound
Upward Bound
The TRIO Upward Bound program at South Dakota State University supports students from low-income households or first-generation college students, providing academic support, emotional encouragement, and college application assistance.
High School Internship
Brooklyn Youth Sports Club
BKYSC offers an internship experience that combines basketball with academic engagement and character development. Interns can choose from various areas, such as academics, athletics, fundraising, and more. The program is available for high school and college students during the summer or school year.
Youth Volunteer
Boston Cares
Boston Cares partners with nonprofits and schools to address community needs through volunteer work at various locations across the city.
Summer Youth Employment Program
Meriden YMCA
The CT Summer Youth Employment Program provides early work experiences for young people aged 14-21. Limited spots are available in the summer youth program, and completing the application does not guarantee a placement.
JOB1 Summer Internship Program
Rotary Club of Chicago
The JOB1 program prepares high school seniors for the workplace by providing job readiness training and paid summer internships with local businesses and non-profits in Chicago.
JA Job Shadow Blended
Junior Achievement USA
The Job Shadow Blended Internship Program helps high school students explore their career interests. They complete a career assessment survey, conduct informational interviews, and participate in job shadowing experiences.
Student Public Health Ambassador Program
LA County Department of Public Health
The LA County Department of Public Health offers virtual training sessions for community members to become certified ambassadors for public health. Participants learn about COVID-19 prevention and mitigation, mental health, and wellness resources.
Internship Program
The Poetry Society of New York
The Poetry Society of New York offers internships in various areas, including event production, marketing, and editorial work. Interns take on significant responsibilities and contribute to the organization's mission to promote poetry in the community.
Teen Internship Program
DOROT
Teenagers can participate in a summer internship program that pairs them with peers to develop leadership skills and engage in intergenerational activities, such as home visits and tech assistance, to earn over 112 community service hours.
Internships and Volunteer Programs
City of Chicago
DHR's Student Intern Pool allows high school students to submit their profiles to be considered for available municipal government positions.
Volunteer
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Volunteers at DCASE share their knowledge with visitors by leading tours, providing information, and greeting guests at cultural attractions in Chicago.
Seed Crew North Shore Region
The Food Project
The Seed Crew spends afternoons attending workshops on topics like sustainable agriculture, food accessibility, and social justice.
Chicago Youth Service Corps
One Summer Chicago
Chicago Youth Service Corps is a year-round program that offers paid opportunities for youth aged 16-24 to participate in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development in diverse settings throughout the city.
CITYarts Internship
CITYarts
CITYarts offers internships to talented young artists, providing hands-on experience with professional artists, training, and stipends. Interns can choose from various positions, including bookkeeping, design, development, and social media roles.
Volunteer
Cradles to Crayons Boston
In the Giving Factory Warehouse, volunteers help sort, inspect, and package donated goods to support local children.
Student Heroes
Houston Food Bank East Branch
Student Heroes participate in leadership development, community service, and professional workshops, committing to 50 hours of service and contributing to their communities through projects like food drives and volunteer training.
Teen Council, Teens Leading Change (TLC), and Teen Volunteer.
Los Angeles Public Library
The Los Angeles Public Library offers volunteer opportunities for teens, including the Teen Council and Teen Volunteers, which involve tasks like planning library programs and assisting librarians.
Summer Youth Tillers Internship
Green Guerillas
Green Guerillas Youth Tillers program helps build connections between local community garden leaders and young people in the food justice movement across New York City.
Counselor in Training
Camp Hidden Meadows
The CIT program is a four-week selective program that offers leadership opportunities and hands-on experience in a small group setting, with options to earn certifications in belay instruction and junior lifeguarding.
Summer Learning Institute (SLI)
Freedom House
The Summer Learning Institute is a 120-hour program that addresses the academic, career development, and social needs of Boston Public School students through service projects, college experiences, and developmental activities.
High School Internship
Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio
High school students in this paid internship develop leadership and teamwork skills while working on projects and contributing to community service.
Student Internship Program
The Mark Twain House & Museum
The Mark Twain House & Museum seeks student interns who are passionate about history and willing to contribute to its mission.
Youth Leadership Somerset
Youth Leadership Somerset
High school students participate in a nine-month leadership program, attending sessions one Saturday per month. They develop leadership skills, learn about community issues, and create a community service project.
Bergen County Volunteer Roles for High School Students
Bergen County
High school students participate in various volunteer roles such as youth councils, libraries, hospitals, and food programs. They gain experience in different fields and develop community service skills.
Leadership Academy
Camp Harbor View
The Leadership Academy is a year-round program that empowers high school students to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and make a positive impact in their communities. Students participate in workshops, team-building activities, and community service projects, learning from experienced leaders and mentors. The program focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary for students to become effective leaders.
National Merit Scholarship Competition
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Students participate in a competition, taking the PSAT/NMSQT and competing for scholarships.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Florida Department of Education
The Bright Futures Scholarship provides funding to high school students who demonstrate academic achievement and community service.
Collaboratory Scholarships Program
Collaboratory
Students apply for various scholarships, including the Collaboratory Scholarship and the Community Foundation Scholarship.
Rhode Island 4-H Volunteer Program
University of Rhode Island
High school students participate in Rhode Island 4-H, engaging in community service projects, leadership development, and skill-building activities. They work with younger students, teaching them various skills and promoting positive youth development. Students participate in workshops, conferences, and events, enhancing their leadership and communication skills.
Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island Volunteer Program
Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island
High school students volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club, assisting with after-school programs, sports, and activities for younger students. They work in a club setting, gaining experience in youth development and program management. Students participate in training sessions, learning about club operations and policies.
Bay Scholars
Bay Scholars
Bay Scholars is a nonprofit organization that provides need-based, merit scholarships to under-resourced students across the San Francisco Bay Area. The program aims to support students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to their community. Students can use the scholarship to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.
Scholarships - Bay Area Community Foundation
Bay Area Community Foundation
The Bay Area Community Foundation offers scholarships to area high school seniors who actively embrace Dr. King's dream of improving racial harmony and social justice. The program aims to support students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their community and have shown potential for future leadership.
Queens Library Teen Volunteer Program
Queens Library
Teens assist with library programs, such as tutoring, book clubs, and events, to gain experience in community engagement and leadership. They work closely with library staff to develop and implement programs for younger students.
Frequently asked questions
What social impact opportunities can high schoolers join?
Nonprofit programs, activism and advocacy fellowships, and community initiatives. This page lists ones that welcome student involvement.
How do I turn a cause I care about into real experience?
Start with a structured program or fellowship, then take on responsibility over time. Colleges value sustained, measurable impact over one-off events.
Are there remote social impact opportunities?
Yes—advocacy, organizing, and nonprofit support roles often run online. Filter for remote options.