“Youth Can Lead Now”: Jen Landers on Building a Culture of Service in Colorado
Jen Landers has spent the last seven years helping high school students discover something many adults still struggle to believe: they already have what it takes to lead.
As executive director of
. CYL empowers teens to lead with courage and kindness, take action on issues they care about, and shape their communities with purpose.
But for Jen, this work isn’t just organizational—it’s deeply personal.
The Challenges Young People Face
“The young people in our community are navigating growing mental health challenges,” Jen said. “They’re navigating increased social isolation and lack of meaningful opportunities to connect with others and contribute to something bigger than themselves.”
At the same time, Denver metro communities face challenges that are happening across the country and around the world. Political, generational and cultural divides are making it harder to work toward shared goals.
Jen Serving alongside Young Leaders serving a meal to community members in partnership with Break Bread.
“As w
e look at our work, we want to find the intersection between those challenges. We want to figure out how we can really engage youth to feel a sense of belonging in communities, while we give communities the resources and talent of young people to help them solve their biggest issues and take advantage of their greatest opportunities.”
This simple insight, grounded in years of community-building, shapes how CYL works with young people. The organization doesn’t tell students where to serve—it gives them the space to choose, building resiliency, passion and confidence. Whether it’s environmental justice, food insecurity, or mental health, CYL meets young people at the intersection of passion and purpose. That trust not only keeps students engaged, but helps them grow into confident, community-minded leaders.
Learning and Connection Bring Insights for the Future
Earlier this year, Jen traveled to New Orleans for the
—her first time at the international conference where social impact leaders come together. Her attendance was made possible from a scholarship from Points of Light, with generous support from the
. The experience offered more than just inspiration. It provided a critical pause to reflect, connect, and realign.
“Receiving the scholarship for Colorado Young Leaders enabled us to do something that we would not have been able to do,” Jen reflected. “Our budget to participate in things like this is so small, but we recognize that really being able to have access to ideas and best practices is critical for us.”
Young Leaders helping with a diaper drive for new parents in partnership with WeeCycle.
For an organization at a key point in its evolution, the timing couldn’t have been better. CYL is currently expanding its reach beyond the Denver metro area with a bold vision: to bring diverse youth together from across Colorado—not just demographically, but across lived experiences, political perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
“The conference helped reenergize my passion for our mission,” Jen said. “I walked away with fresh insights and practical tools we’re already weaving into our strategic plan—everything from how we train mentors to how we tell our story.”
Jen knows that kind of growth won’t happen in isolation. It will take partnerships, mentorship, and a shared belief across communities that youth-led service is not a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. That’s the kind of message she brought to the conference, and the kind she returned home determined to amplify.
Today, as she and her team move forward with new tools and deeper clarity, Jen and the team at Colorado Young Leaders remain focused on the young people at the heart of it all. Every program, every decision, every story is about helping them lead—not someday, but now.
How Brilliant Detroit Is Building “Kid Success” Right in the City’s Neighborhoods
. This organization is dedicated to building “kid success,” providing families with children from birth to 8 years old with what they need to be school-ready, healthy and stable. They do this by providing proven programming and support year-round out of Brilliant Detroit homes in high-need neighborhoods.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Cindy Eggleton, Brilliant Detroit’s CEO and a driving force behind this incredible organization. Join us as we take a peek into the world of Brilliant Detroit, exploring their innovative approach to building kid success, one family and one neighborhood at a time.
How is your organization making an impact?
When we came together eight years ago to create Brilliant Detroit, we began with a question – what can we do to ensure that Detroit children are kindergarten-ready? We knew that the answer began at the beginning. The fact is that 90% of a child’s brain is developed by age 3 and much of their future is impacted by their first eight years of life.
We challenged ourselves to be innovative and explore how we could disrupt the current early childhood ecosystem. Here is what we came up with: Instead of families getting in a car or bus to access help, let’s renovate abandoned homes and offer evidence-based programming right in the middle of neighborhoods. Instead of directing what happens to families, let’s listen and learn and provide programming that families need and want. Instead of creating yet another program, let’s act as a connector and bring together organizations that are addressing different early childhood needs in one warm and safe place. Let’s create “Kid Success Neighborhoods” where families with children ages 0-8 have what they need to be school-ready, healthy and supported.
Brilliant Detroit provides material and programmatic support for literacy growth. Resources are made as accessible as possible through partners such as Little Free Library. Image courtesy Brilliant Detroit.
Tell us about a project or initiative you’re working on right now that’s making a big impact on your community.
This summer, we piloted a citywide literacy initiative called Detroit Reads. The goals of the program were to combat “summer slide” (a loss of academic ability in youth outside of the school year) and build a love of reading in our young children. We served over 300 youth through our daily summer programming, which was hosted at 12 hubs. We had a city-wide men read day, an author day and family health nights, among other things. This is in addition to our specific tutoring and family efforts. Ultimately, we are pleased with the impact of the first summer of Detroit Reads. We look forward to building the program by expanding to more of our hubs and by partnering with other champions of literacy across Detroit.
The Detroit Reads program was a success both on a macro and micro level. Over 30 community partners participated in seven weeks of programming at the 12 hubs. Each location included at least three hours per day (over 3,000 combined hours) of literacy programming, which included small group tutoring, storytelling and read-alouds. Ten young adult interns supported by the Grow Detroit Young Talent Program provided student leadership to youth campers. Students explored improvisation, STEM, nature and gardening through hands-on experiences and reflection activities. Students were able to connect theories and knowledge to real-world situations. Perhaps the greatest testament to a successful pilot was all the smiling faces of the youth we served!
“My favorite moments at Brilliant Detroit are those when I can see the positive change that families are making in their own lives using the resources of our organization. I wake up every day inspired by all the people I get to work with who are moving their lives forward. We see this transformational change all the time. Caregivers join us as participants and then start volunteering their time and skills or join our staff to help spread our mission of ‘Kid Success’ to more of their fellow neighbors. It is truly energizing.” — Cindy Eggleton, CEO, Brilliant Detroit
Do you have an upcoming special event or milestone that your organization is celebrating?
We are looking forward to celebrating a long-coming and major milestone in 2024. Years ago, when researching the potential growth of Brilliant Detroit, it was determined that 24 hubs was the number needed to create population level change in Detroit. In other words, 24 was the magic number where we would start to see the needle move on the statistics that inspired the creation of Brilliant Detroit, namely kindergarten and third grade reading ability, the number of families living in poverty and lack of access to books and childcare options.
What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?
Volunteerism is a huge element of the success of Brilliant Detroit. Many of our programs are fueled by volunteer support, including one of our most impactful programs, high dosage literacy tutoring. Our goal in utilizing volunteers is to further include community in our work and also educate volunteers as to why current conditions exist.
We believe it is important that volunteers understand factors that led to the inequities we see today in Detroit. Volunteers bring a passion and a diverse set of perspectives and experiences to our families. We see working with volunteers as an extension of our value of creating neighbor to neighbor connections.
How are you recognizing and thanking volunteers for their contributions?
We recognize our most dedicated volunteers via social media highlights as well as our “Brilliant People” campaign that spotlights our most dedicated supporters. We also thank our volunteers via swag giveaways and an annual volunteer celebration picnic. We are always happy to verify service hours for our volunteers for awards, including the
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through civic engagement?
So often in social justice movements, people are providing solutions for others and not seeing those people as individuals and embracing their insights. The reality is that people have more to say about what is right for them than we could ever figure out. I always say what is most important is transitioning from listening to talk or to tell, to listening to hear, to learn and then to help do and achieve. You have to first see people for them to grow.
Gertrude’s Garden: An Abandoned Lot Transformed to Vibrant Community Hub
In the heart of McComb, Mississippi, where an abandoned lot once stood, a vibrant community hub has taken root:
. This remarkable transformation illustrates the power of reclaiming neglected spaces and the profound impact that “third places” – spaces beyond home and work where people can connect – can have on community well-being.
Gertrude’s Garden is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. What was once an underutilized area is now a thriving space for art, community building and more. Their mission is to provide a safe and enriching environment for residents of all ages
The Garden has become a catalyst for positive change in the Burglund community. In 2023, they hosted their third annual Thanksgiving meal, serving over 200 residents at a warm and festive gathering. Additionally, an art installation named “Directions” now graces the space. This thought-provoking piece seeks to inspire the community’s youth.
Read on to hear more from Kevin Brown, Gertrude’s Garden’s community advocate.
What makes your organization an Impact Icon?
Image courtesy Gertrude’s Garden
Gertrude’s Garden is a re-imagined and re-purposed abandoned lot in the historic Burglund community in Mccomb, MS. The Garden is located betweeen Burglund Heights housing complex and a convenience store. Gertrude’s Garden program includes art, literacy, recreation and community building.
Tell us about a project or initiative you’re working on right now that’s making a big impact on your community.
For our third annual Thanksgiving meal, over 200 residents were served a hot meal. We have also just completed an art installation named “Directions” which depicts the distance to well-known cities and identifies Burglund as the starting point for the journey of any youth of the community.
Community Impacts
The impact of Gertrude’s Garden is tangible, touching various aspects of community life:
Public Safety: Enhanced lighting, a new crosswalk and traffic signs create a safer environment for everyone.
Recreation: A playground, basketball court and other amenities provide much-needed opportunities for play and physical activity.
Social Connection: Community gatherings like holiday meals and formal galas foster a sense of belonging and togetherness.
What role does volunteerism play in your organization’s overall mission and objectives?
Image courtesy Gertrude’s Garden
Volunteerism plays the central role. There is nothing that we can achieve without volunteersism. We are not a nonprofit organization. All of our support comes from small in-kind donors and sweat equity.
How are you recognizing and thanking volunteers for their contributions?
We have a quarterly award certificate program, and we are also a
“A small step in the right direction can create change.” –Glenda Jordan, Gertrude’s Garden
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through civic engagement?
Don’t wait, act! Any service that you can provide is an asset to your community.
Are you a nonprofit leader who is innovating in the social impact space and wants to become an Impact Icon? Answer our questionnaire, and you could be featured here on our blog!
3 Ways People of All Ages Can Make the Most of International Youth Day
August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change.
No matter your age, it’s likely you’ve questioned your ability to make a difference. Our research shows that 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. Activists on the ground prove otherwise. That’s why we recognize thousands of volunteers for their contributions to their communities through t
“Points of Light’s research found that Gen Z is the most civically engaged generation to date. Our youth honorees demonstrate that people of all ages can strengthen communities and solve persistent problems,” says Diane Quest, interim CEO, Points of Light.
To inspire you to action this
International Youth Day
, we are sharing stories of youth honorees, along with three elements from the Points of Light Civic Circle®, a framework for helping people to become more civically engaged.
Volunteer
Nonprofit organizations and NGOs need volunteer power to deliver support to the communities they collaborate with. If you’re an adult wanting to facilitate youth volunteerism, consider organizing a youth-specific event or helping transport the young people in your life to an event. To find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and availability, check out
, a database with hundreds of thousands of in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.
The power of volunteering shines when considering Daily Point of Light Award honoree Nate Buescher, a high schooler who prepares food for a local food pantry and distributes home-cooked meals to tent cities around Chicago. Buescher began fighting food insecurity at age 7 with the Honeycomb Project. Today, he mentors younger volunteers while maintaining his own service projects.
Voice
The youth voice is vital, pointing us to which concerns are most important to future world leaders and helping broaden perspectives. Use your voice to advocate for causes you care about by posting on social media, attending a rally or contacting a government leader. Adults can amplify youth voices by sharing with their networks, or organizing forums for youth to be seen and heard.
Seventeen-year-old Daily Point of Light Award honoree
used his voice when organizing a rally of fellow activists on the Washington State Capitol steps to support legislation protecting the Chinook salmon and orca populations. He also regularly addresses state legislators and travels statewide to speak to K-12 students about environmental issues.
Listen and Learn
Social justice and environmental issues are nuanced, involving many people with different perspectives shaped by their own experiences. Listening and learning is one way to honor others’ lived experiences and get a fuller scope of an issue.
Young people can commit to thoroughly researching causes they care about, talking to those working toward solutions and holding space for those impacted. Adults can connect with the young people in their lives, inviting dialogue that allows for sharing different perspectives and finding common ground.
These are the driving ideas behind the work of high schooler Kristie To, who became a leading force in Asian American racial justice when she founded
. Among the initiatives of her nonprofit is distributing Asian history and Asian American Pacific Islander civil rights curriculum to children.
“Cultural sensitivity starts with exposure, and that’s what we’re trying to do with these elementary schoolers,” says To.
To learn about other avenues for social engagement for International Youth Day and all year round, check out the Points of Light Civic Circle by visiting
“There are many formal channels for civic engagement, but simple actions make a difference too,” says Quest. “Whether it’s carrying groceries in for a neighbor or donating books to the library, the important thing is to get started when you see a need in your community.”
Key Takeaways on Education and Literacy Development from Points of Light’s Research
It’s back-to-school season in many parts of the world, it’s natural to begin thinking more about education, its place in our society, and how well it’s serving people in its current state. There is nothing quite as important in building resilient communities and future leaders as education and access to education. Education equips young individuals with literacy development, critical thinking and reasoning capacities, and so much more that will serve them throughout their lives.
But education isn’t always a straightforward cause area, and many people are concerned about policies, funding and curriculum across today’s education landscape.
As back-to-school season ramps up, we are looking at some takeaways from
Education was one of the top five issue areas of concern across all four countries surveyed by Points of Light. This is perhaps unsurprising given the particular impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education systems. At one point, 94% of children were out of school, and this will have a rippling effect for years to come. It’s no wonder that 40% of Gen Z respondents, born from 1997 to 2012, said this was an area of top concern, as they were the generation most directly impacted.
Making strides in education can mean getting involved in a variety of ways including
to support educators and advocate for school-aged children.
But if we are to make the greatest possible impact, we must take into account the early education systems as well. These are the institutions responsible for educating children in some of their most formative years providing social, emotional and cognitive skills to become lifelong learners.
See how computer science student Karnika Choudhury is passing on coding skills to youth with learning disabilities.
Interests in Education vs. Early Education
When asked about cause areas of top concern, 36% of people reported being concerned about education when compared to other issues. However, that number was cut in half when it came to early education, which only 18% of respondents cited as an area of top concern, when compared to other issues.
Learn more about retired teacher Suzanne Bergman, who spent her career working in early childhood education and now tutors under-resourced children with New Horizons of Southwestern Florida.
Gender Divides in Concern About Education
When examined further, there was a distinct gender divide in the respondents showing concern for early education vs. education in general. When it came to early education, women reported being more concerned (at 21%) than men (at 15%). However, in the more general education category, these statistics were neck-and-neck, with 37% of women and 35% of men reporting education as an area of top concern.
Generational Differences in Perspectives on Education
Gender wasn’t the only factor contributing to different responses across education. There was also a generational divide. While 36% of Baby Boomers expressed interest in the more general education category – making them the second most concerned, out of the four generations polled. However, only 13% of Baby Boomers expressed interest in early education, ranking them last for this category, and significantly lower than any other generation, despite the well-documented lifelong benefits of early childhood education.
See how book-lover Teresa Gerald is spreading access to resources and supporting literacy in her local library system.
Education stands as a cornerstone for building resilient communities and nurturing the next generation of capable leaders. The good news is, there are ways to support education by voting for supportive policies, volunteering in classrooms and after-school programs, advocating for educators, and serving on school boards. Plus, by recognizing the significance of early education, we can ensure a solid foundation for childhood development. Bridging the gender and generational gaps in concerns about education will lead to a more cohesive and impactful approach. As back-to-school season approaches, it’s a time for a renewed commitment to education and early education, empowering our communities and ensuring a brighter future for everyone. By combining elements of the Points of Light Civic Circle®, we can amplify our impact and inspire real and sustainable change.
See how self-taught student from Afghanistan Nessar Hekmatjo is helping other displaced students adjust to life in the United States.
Want to keep diving? Take a look at these topics to find out how you can leverage our research to take civic action in your own community:
. We wanted to know how to create programs that work for families, how to recruit families to participate and how to make it easy – and fun – for them to volunteer.
Here’s what we heard from project coordinators we surveyed about how to engage families and young people in volunteer efforts:
Include Youth Voices When Planning Family Volunteering Opportunities
Talk to young people about why volunteering matters. Let their excitement help make it a family priority. Let them describe what they’re doing, and explain how they’re having an impact.
Communicate Via Multiple Methods Well in Advance With Reminders
Send an email and a text. Remind volunteer families several weeks before, a week before, a day before and the day of. People are busy, and reminders help ensure they fulfill their intention and their commitment to volunteer. If you can, keep your events at the same time of year to make it easy for families to plan and stay engaged year after year.
Create a Family-friendly Environment
Ensure families know that children of all ages are welcome. Make plenty of age-appropriate activities available and create opportunities for little ones to help. Provide kid-friendly refreshments, too.
Reward Volunteers
Create incentives for your volunteers to want to come back, and share the impact they’re having. Offer student volunteers extra hours if they bring parents, or feature students with families who volunteer on social media.
Start Early, Plan and Be Organized
Make sure people feel as if their time is being used well. If they have a great experience, they’re more likely to return. Some organizations don’t have a lot of success doing several small family volunteer events throughout the year in cities where there are so many competing interests. However, doing an “end of the year” project, for example, where students get to show off their work and win prizes, combined with the group volunteering experience, often results in higher attendance and participation each year.
Family and youth volunteer projects are so impactful, and getting them right makes a huge difference for families and for the people and organizations who benefit from their service.
was filled with memorable moments, but one that stood out in particular was this year’s Youth Summit. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of what went down… Don’t forget to mark your calendar for June 14-16, 2023 so you can be in attendance at next year’s Conference.
with the day’s Daily Point of Light Award for her efforts in environmental conservation.
“With the right support, young people, you are changing the world,” Natalye said, before handing things off to President and Board Chair of KPMG Foundation Anita Whitehead. Anita introduced the various ways the KPMG Foundation has revitalized its mission and poured funding into equity and diversity efforts, committing millions of dollars to this focus.
, 2021 Time Kid of the Year and Ambassador for Kindness, who spoke about his personal journey and gave helpful advice to any young person looking to make a change.
“Sometimes, I have to admit, it’s not easy seeing a problem so large and figuring out how to go out there and make a big impact on that problem,” shared Orion. “But I think that with a little determination, perseverance, courage and compassion, you can really do anything.”
He encouraged young people who see problems they want to fix to be proactive, reaching out to adults who can help them secure the resources they need to contribute their talents and energy to that issue. He also encouraged adults with resources to support kids with a vision, as the power to change the world lies in this type of collaboration.
Following Orion’s chat with Anita, four members of the Points of Light Youth Council—
—and Generation Amazing Youth Advocate Sayed Alam—joined a moderated panel discussion. Each spoke about their individual civic journeys and shared touching moments from their experiences.
From fostering hope in communities through uplifting words and gestures… to reinforcing the message that we are never alone, but supported… to releasing one’s ego in volunteering and learning to be a team player… these five leaders passed on a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for all the civically engaged youth in attendance. “Embrace the vulnerability of not knowing what you’re doing,” shared Adom Appiah.
One theme highlighted again and again was the importance of listening and learning before acting. Several Points of Light Youth Council members spoke about how their nonprofits or initiatives had changed as the leaders themselves continued to learn and grow.
Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun talked about “allowing the experience to evolve” with her – changing what she was doing as she continued to learn more and more, and honoring the people sitting across the table from her, even if she disagreed with them.
Hearing from community members about what would help them most, instead of assuming that they already knew what was most supportive, was illuminating for these leaders. Many times, they made strategic decisions for their volunteer projects or even revamped the structure of their nonprofits based on the feedback they heard from those they were directly working with.
While this year’s Youth Summit featured a powerful group of young leaders, Points of Light is committed to uplifting youth voices every single year at the
. So don’t miss next year’s conference in Chicago June 14-16, 2023—save the date now so you can join us in person.
The Power of the Youth Voice with 2021 Time Kid of the Year
The Points of Light Conference is a rich experience for civically-minded folks of all ages and with all levels of experience.
We value the voice of youth, which is why we host a special Youth Summit as part of our overall conference experience each year. This summit is an all-conference session that will feature inspirational stories from young civic leaders who demonstrate that age has no limit in addressing the issues facing our world.
KPMG Foundation President Anita Whitehead will open the session with a discussion with Orion Jean, 2021 Time Kid of the Year and Ambassador for Kindness, about his story and what guidance he has for other young people.
This young man is on a mission, sharing the gift of reading with hundreds of thousands of kids. At only 11 years old, Orion has already created waves in his community with his involvement and advocacy. He has used his $500 in prize money from a kindness contest to donate toys to a local children’s hospital. He has also hosted food drives and partnered with a relief group to collect 100,000 meals for Texas families. And now he’s focused on spreading the gift of literacy to local households that may not have access to books.
Following the keynote, four members of the Points of Light Youth Council – Esha Venkat, Chase Hartman, Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun and Adom Appiah – will participate in a moderated panel discussion around the theme that youth are a powerful force for change. They’ll discuss listening and learning, mindful engagement, finding your “why” and “how” and much more.
Esha Venkat is a 16-year-old global changemaker, ambitious servant leader and groundbreaking “girlpreneur” passionate about advancing social progress across the globe. She is the co-founder and COO of NEST4US and a junior at Broad Run High School. In 2020, Esha and her sister, Shreyaa, were recognized with The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award for their servant leadership.
Chase Hartman of Tampa, Florida is a 16-year-old community changemaker, youth leader and “kidpreneur” dedicated to finding solutions to some of the toughest challenges in our country. Chase co-founded a nonprofit called Eco Brothers and an award-winning book distribution project called “read.repeat.”
Eleanor Ann Schoenbrun is from El Paso, Texas, and is the founder of Pennies FUR Pets and Kans for Kids. She is a member of the Yale College Class of 2025 with prospective majors in economics and global affairs. She joined the Points of Light family at eight years old when she became a National Make A Difference Day Winner for Pennies FUR Pets, benefiting homeless pets in her border city.
Adom Appiah is an author and the founder of Ball4Good – a nonprofit that supports communities through sports, volunteering and grantmaking. The Ball4Good team has fostered partnerships with community-based organizations to address homelessness, childhood cancer, child abuse, autism awareness, cultural representation and public health.
Youth ages 13 to 18 from local organizations will be in attendance, but Youth Summit content isn’t just for young people. The session is appropriate for attendees representing nonprofits, national service, government, social entrepreneurs and businesses that work with youth or who consider youth a target audience.
Be sure to check our agenda for other workshops with sector experts that highlight youth-focused efforts for organizations. And join us for this year’s Youth Summit by registering for the 2022 Points of Light Conference, held July 13-15, 2022.
A Year of Service: An Alternative Option for Young People
For high school students and college students alike, saying senior year is a busy and stressful time is an understatement. If you’re in high school, you’re probably beginning to complete the Common Application and registering to take your SAT. If you’re in college, maybe you’ve just completed a summer internship or you’re still looking to get work experience as you take your last year of classes. You’re preparing for the next step in life and may be wondering if the step you’re taking is the right one. Perhaps you feel just a bit under pressure during this transitional time.
Instead of going straight into college or entering the workforce immediately after graduation, some may decide to take a gap year. For others, neither their parents or bank accounts may support that kind of time off. Another option remains, however. Completing a year of service is one step that an increasing number of young people consider instead.
issue can give you a lot of details on what service means to those of us at Points of Light. In a nutshell, service is when you commit your time, energy and talent to public, national or military service. Traditionally, you’re giving a larger part of your time and/or skill than you would with volunteering. Many service roles are considered part-time or full-time positions.
How do you know if a year of service is right for you? Ask yourself:
Would you like to spend the next 9-24 months doing something a little different that positively impacts a community?
Are you able to devote your time and energy to a particular cause or work with a community that may or may not be different than your own?
If you’re looking to work in a community different than the one you grew up in, are you willing to learn about the community first and understand how they define their needs, then partner with them for a solution?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, take a look at a few service year options that are a good fit for people looking to give their time and skill for one to two years.
The largest service year umbrella program where you can find federally-funded opportunities through its three main service year categories: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).
Age or Experience Required
The age and experience requirements vary based on the particular program. See more on opportunities
Full-time AmeriCorps State and National members are given a modest living allowance, health care benefits and childcare, and they become eligible for the
A federally-funded program for U.S. citizens who would like to complete a service year abroad. You’ll partner with communities to make changes that are sustained after your service year is complete.
Age or Experience Required
U.S. citizens ages 18 and over are eligible. The program is best suited for young people with a college degree, making it a better option for those who aren’t looking to take on traditional employment right after college.
Benefits
Volunteers receive housing and a living stipend that enables them to live in a manner similar to people in their community of service as well as healthcare, student loan benefits, a stipend to help them transition into life after their service is complete and career and graduate school support.
Are there other options?
There are many state, city and private institutions that offer short term or yearlong service opportunities, such as
. Think about a particular issue you’d like to learn more about or part of the world you’d like to work in and there are sure to be service opportunities available. Always check with the Better Business Bureau or other authority to ensure the opportunity is legitimate. Happy decision making!
5 Ways to Volunteer During Back to School Season
We’re officially closing out the summer season and heading back to school; it’s an excellent time to begin or continue our commitment to civic engagement. Plus, September is National Literacy Month, so what better time to focus your service efforts on promoting literacy and access to education? Below we’ve compiled a list of some DIY service projects and volunteer ideas you can do to make it a successful school year for students. Additionally, always ask around in your community to see who is already doing some of this work and how you can support them.
Start a mobile library or hold a book drive. Early access to books is a key step in education, however many families aren’t able to afford or access books regularly. One way you can help provide greater accessibility to books is to start your very own mobile library, or hold a book drive in order to get more books into the hands of kids! Check out our detailed instructions here for starting a mobile library.
Tutor and Read to Youth. You can work with an organization like Story Mentors or Get Ready Set to help school-aged children become more confident readers. Sometimes, it just takes a little one-on-one time with a patient adult for a young reader to master the skills they need. JT Wu, a Daily Point of Light Honoree, founded Preface, a nonprofit that promotes childhood literacy by pairing high schoolers with elementary school students to mentor and read to them. You can work with a young person through a similar organization and make a big impact!
Put together a back-to-school backpack. According to the National Retail Federation, a caregiver will spend on average $789.49 on back-to-school supplies. For some families, this can be very challenging. So if you’re able, why not put together a backpack for a fellow student who needs one? Read our guide for tips on how to identify someone who might need a backpack, pulling together all the supplies and delivering to your school. Many local nonprofits will also hold backpack drives.
Host a Literacy Game Night. Help youth (and adults too!) practice their speaking skills and learn new vocabulary words by hosting an in-person or virtual game night. Games like Scrabble and Simon Says are ideal group activities for people with a wide range of verbal skills, and more advanced games like Scattergories are a fun way to build those more advanced linguistic skills. Daily Point of Light Honoree Sneha Nadella has done incredible service work with the World Literacy Foundation and knows the power of helping non-native English speakers to learn the language. Check out our step-by-step guide to help English Language Learners from anywhere in the world.
Inspire Students Love of STEM. As new fields are developed every day, young learners need to continue to be passionate about important fields like science, technology, engineering and math. Daily Point of Light Award honoree Serena Pei volunteers with Engage STEM, to ensure access to students for STEM tutoring and provides resources for learning outside the classroom.
Following Orion’s chat with Anita, four members of the Points of Light Youth Council—