Volunteering is more than just a good deed—it’s a catalyst for change. It enriches communities, opens doors for youth and teens, and even strengthens college and NHS applications. Let’s explore the full ripple effect of giving back. At Edge Green Cleaning, philanthropy is one of our core values. As the year comes to an end, consider how volunteering fits into your upcoming year.
Volunteerism by the Numbers
- 75.7 million Americans (28.3% of the population aged 16+) formally volunteered between September 2022 and September 2023, contributing a staggering 4.99 billion hours, valued at $167.2 billion. [census.gov]
- Teenagers contribute 2.4 billion volunteer hours each year—an economic value of $34.3 billion. [extension.unr.edu]
Volunteering Fuels Youth Development
- Better Choices & Well-Being
- Teens who volunteer regularly are 50% less likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse. [nvfs.org], [extension.unr.edu]
- Improved Health & Academic Engagement
- Over 50,000 youth (ages 6–17) studied showed higher likelihoods of excellent health and school "flourishing". [psychologytoday.com]
- Lifelong Civic Involvement
- Youth volunteers are three times more likely to continue volunteering as adults. Plus, 81% of adults who served as teens go on to support nonprofits financially. [nvfs.org]
- Leadership, Empathy & Confidence
- Youth volunteering fosters skills needed for life including: empathy, communication, teamwork, leadership, and cross-cultural awareness.
Volunteering & College Admissions
National Honor Society (NHS)
- NHS considers service a core pillar. Students typically need around 30+ community service hours, though this varies by chapter. [collegevine.com], [bold.org]
- Achieving NHS membership means earning recognition in academics, leadership, service, and character—making your college application stand out. [bold.org]
Broader College Applications
- There's no fixed number of volunteer hours needed for college admission, but consistent, meaningful service in high school helps build a strong, well-rounded extracurricular profile. [hceducatio...ulting.com], [honorsociety.org]
- Colleges value depth and impact of volunteer work—not just the number of hours. Sustained involvement and clear motivation reflect character and commitment. [collegevine.com], [nationalho...ociety.org]
Practical Tips for Families
- Track your hours — Use apps like Track It Forward or maintain a simple spreadsheet.
- Choose passion projects — Whether it’s environmental conservation or tutoring, align efforts with your interests for sustained engagement.
- Aim for consistency — Colleges and NHS prefer ongoing commitment over one-off events.
- Leadership matters — Plan or lead projects with your family—help a charity event or internship—to demonstrate initiative.
- Include reflection — Keep notes or journal entries about why service matters to you; it helps in writing personal statements.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering transforms lives—yours and those you touch. By donating your time, you help communities grow stronger and cultivate lifelong values in youth. For teens, service builds health, resilience, leadership, and a winning college portfolio. And the feeling of making a tangible difference? Truly priceless.
