Community Service Projects That Impress Scholarship Committees

Most middle schoolers volunteer because it “looks good,” but scholarship readers can tell the difference between hours and impact. Community service is a valuable way for students to build their character, develop leadership skills, and begin laying the foundation for future scholarship applications.

What are Scholarship Committees Looking For?

Over recent years, scholarship committees have shifted their expectations around community service. Students are encouraged to be more intentional with their volunteer hours, and demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Do more than just show up. Lead and show initiative.
• Leave clear evidence of your impact while serving.
• Commit to being involved over time instead of attending “one-off” events. Follow through to the end of the project.
• Partner with a legitimate organization that can verify your involvement. Create a meaningful relationship.
• Reflect on the project at the end and see the bigger picture of your impact. Did it allow your child to show growth toward their personal goals?

How Do I Get Started?

Create a framework for your project before getting started. This will keep you focused and show the community organization you have chosen that you have a long-term plan for serving with them. 

1. What is a need in your community?
2. Set goals and track your results.
3. Partner with a community organization.

Demonstrating Leadership and Impact

Intentionally choosing organizations and community service projects that impact the community, as well as highlight your child's leadership, are exactly what scholarship committees are looking for. Students should work towards starting their own projects to show intentionality. Consider the following ideas:

• Start a school recycling program.
• Launch a tutoring or homework help group.
• Create a garden and donate the produce to a local pantry.
• Organize a community clean-up day.
• Plan a “drive” – food, clothing, coat, etc.

Documentation

It’s important to always include your hours, who you helped, scope of the project, dollars raised, and/or items collected. Encourage your child to keep a volunteer log. Scholarship committees need this information to verify their work. When possible, obtain a signature from a supervisor and take pictures. Record these on a Community Service Project Planner and begin to create a Scholarship Portfolio.

Reflection

Scholarship committees look for the “story” behind the community service hours. Encourage your child to reflect on their activity which creates meaning. What did they learn about their community or themselves? What problem did they help solve? Were there any surprises while volunteering? How will they expand this experience into high school?  

Parents as Support Systems

Parents play an important role in community service projects as well! Students need encouragement and guidance when selecting an issue that they want to address. Help identify what they genuinely care about but avoid leading their service project for them. Assist in the transportation, organization, and take pictures when needed! 

Building service habits in middle school will benefit your child throughout high school and life. Setting expectations and being intentional shows your child how important serving is and the benefits that come with it.