To earn a Standard Diploma, you need 40 hours of volunteer service. If you hope to qualify for Bright Futures, you’ll need at least 75.

LIBRARY: Your local public libraries are full of free programs and services for children and teens. Many of them are staffed by volunteers, and many of them meet weekly during the school year. There are likely also summer camp opportunities.

COSMETIC SERVICES: Lots of hair stylists and aestheticians offer beauty services to the elderly or individuals with terminal illness or physical impairment. Ask around to see if any of them could use some help with preparation or clean-up.

GOOGLE STUFF: Rec and senior centers are often looking for youth volunteers to help them with their tech needs. You could do everything from basic IT service to finding online info (or filling out digital forms) for the elderly.

For my community service, I’m a junior leader for the summer camp program at Willis S. Johns Recreation Center in St. Petersburg. It's fun to work with the little campers — playing games and bonding with the kids. They sure have a lot of energy. I've met a lot of fellow junior leaders and it's been a great summer.

Cole Greenblatt Fall 2023 • Sophomore
Osceola Fundamental High School • Seminole