x2VOL Blog: Tracking Service Hours at your School

With spring break just around the corner, now is a great time for students to start planning how they are going to serve their community during the break! Students have the opportunity to make a huge difference in their communities and the world around them by using their unique skills and talents. This blog can be a resource for students who are struggling to find ways to serve. Can’t serve in-person? No worries, we’ve included ideas for virtual service as well!

The holiday season is a time for giving, spreading joy, and fostering a sense of community. For students, this is a perfect opportunity to engage in acts of kindness and service, not only to make a positive impact but also to grow personally and learn valuable life lessons. Here are some holiday service ideas for students to consider:

Preparation for college, university, and future careers starts early. High school students start thinking about what careers they might want to pursue in the future as early as their freshman year. 

Civic engagement is of the utmost importance for students. Service and community engagement during formative high school years improve social-emotional growth, student outcomes, leadership skills, and more. But how are these programs being managed when educators are leaving schools in record numbers?

According to the Department of Education, successful work-based learning education has three important elements: “the alignment of classroom and workplace learning; application of academic, technical, and employability skills in a work setting; and support from the classroom or workplace mentors”. 

Summer vacation is a great opportunity for students to engage in their communities and gain valuable experience through volunteer work. Volunteering not only helps others but also provides personal growth, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment. By making service a daily or weekly habit students can create a positive routine and develop strong connections with others. Here are 18 summer volunteer ideas for students who are looking for inspiration:

In a time where connection is seemingly only built through phone screens and Instagram comments, in-person, face-to-face connection between students is dwindling. Lack of social interaction and seeing past immediate needs and wants can leave individuals feeling isolated and alone. Unsurprisingly, students can be left lacking a sense of belonging.

As Spring Break approaches, now is a great time for students to start brainstorming how to fulfill their volunteer hours during the break. This is a perfect opportunity for students to use the time off from school to engage with their communities.

Today's high school students are the future of our workforce. Before long they will be in college or starting full-time jobs of their own. But how are today's students preparing for their futures? What will the workforce look like when these students move on to the next stage of their lives?