15 Fall Volunteer Programs for High School Students
Fall isn’t just about changing leaves and new classes – it is the perfect time to get involved and make a difference. Volunteer programs give high school students like you a chance to contribute to meaningful causes while gaining experience in areas such as healthcare, environmental conservation, and public service. Some programs are held in person, while others are offered virtually, giving you options based on your schedule and location.
Check out other fall programs on offer for high school students here!
Why should you do a Fall Volunteer Program in high school?
Many of these programs are run by colleges, nonprofits, and national organizations – offering structured opportunities to learn and grow. You might find yourself assisting staff, supporting events, or engaging with community members. These programs typically run alongside the academic calendar, allowing you to balance school commitments while contributing to organized initiatives. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 fall volunteer programs for high school students – each program is your chance to learn new skills, meet amazing people and leave a lasting impact.
1. Red Cross High School Clubs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Several locations in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school and middle school students in the U.S.
Red Cross Clubs are student-led organizations where you plan and carry out volunteer projects in partnership with the American Red Cross. Each club is started with a small group of students and a faculty or community sponsor, and you’ll work closely with your local Red Cross region for guidance and support. As part of this fall volunteer program for high school students, you may be involved in organizing blood drives, teaching disaster preparedness, or supporting local community events. Clubs typically complete at least three service activities during the school year and maintain records of member participation. All participants register through Volunteer Connection, the Red Cross’ official platform. You can take on different roles within the club, such as project coordinator, outreach lead, or communications support – depending on your interests and skills.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts; Summer Cohort II starts July 14
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates and gap-year students
Ladder Internships offers high school students an opportunity to work with nonprofits around the world on meaningful, project-based assignments. As an intern, you might contribute to outreach, communications, fundraising research, or program development, depending on the needs of the organization you are matched with. The program is designed in such a way that you’re not just observing but actively helping organizations with ongoing projects that make an impact. You will be guided by a Ladder coach and a startup mentor, who will ensure you stay on track and grow throughout the experience. Internship opportunities with nonprofits are available throughout the year, including the fall session, giving you the flexibility to build valuable skills while balancing your school commitments.
3. Habitat for Humanity Youth Programs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Several locations in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school and middle school students in the U.S.
Habitat for Humanity Youth Programs give high school students an opportunity to make a tangible difference in their communities by volunteering in building and community support projects. As a volunteer, you can assist with construction projects, helping to build or renovate homes for families in need. If you are 13 or older, you can also work at Habitat ReStores, supporting retail operations and organizing donated materials. Some fall volunteer programs for high school students involve fundraising activities, such as donation drives to collect money and supplies for ongoing building projects. As a volunteer, you’ll follow schedules set by your local Habitat affiliate and receive guidance from experienced staff and mentors throughout your work. Safety protocols must be followed, especially when volunteering on construction sites.
4. Inova High School Volunteer Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Varies depending on the specific program and hospital
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Varies based on specific program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school and middle school students in the U.S.
Inova High School Volunteer Program gives high school students an opportunity to explore the world of healthcare while serving the community. Through this program, you can volunteer in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Northern Virginia – gaining first-hand experience in a medical environment. You may assist hospital staff, support patient services, or help in gift shops and thrift stores, thus contributing to the daily operations of the hospital. Before starting, you’ll attend orientation and training sessions, and complete basic health and background requirements. Volunteers receive benefits such as free parking, cafeteria and gift shop discounts, and annual flu shots. You work alongside staff and other volunteers, following schedules set by the program. Schedules are flexible, allowing you to select assignments that fit your availability and interests.
5. OU Health Volunteen Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Oklahoma Health Center
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Varies based on specific program
Application Deadline: August 30
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 14-18
OU Health’s Volunteen Program is designed for high school students aged 14 to 18 who are interested in gaining experience in a hospital setting. You can join the School Year Volunteen Program during the fall and spring semesters, committing 2 to 3 hours every two weeks, or the Summer Health Science Camp, which runs Monday through Thursday. As a volunteen, you might deliver flowers, assist hospital staff, support patient floors, and help with guest services – contributing to the daily operations of the hospital. Before starting, you’ll complete orientation, a background check, and health screenings to ensure safety and readiness. Participation is free, and you will be placed in roles that allow you to interact with patients, staff, and hospital departments
6. YMCA Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Varies based on specific program
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Varies based on specific program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
YMCA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for high school students interested in making a difference in their communities. You can help by walking dogs for elderly neighbors, preparing meals at local soup kitchens, or assisting at animal shelters. Other meaningful ways to help include teaching seniors to use technology, distributing socks to homeless people, or sending holiday cards to military personnel overseas. As a volunteer, you would perform specific tasks in each role, following the guidelines of the hosting organization to ensure that your efforts have a positive impact. You can contact your local YMCA or visit their website to find opportunities in your area.
7. Torrance Memorial High School Volunteer Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited spots per orientation cycle
Location: Torrance Memorial Medical Center, California
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Fall session runs October 7–9 orientation, followed by 13 months of service
Application Deadline: Pre-application available August 28–29; notifications sent by September 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 at the time of orientation, aged 14–18
As a volunteer in the Torrance Memorial High School Volunteer Program, you commit to 13 months of service in the hospital’s Escort Services department. In this role, you’ll support patients and staff by transporting patients in wheelchairs, delivering flowers, carrying lab specimens, and moving charts and supplies throughout the hospital. You’ll attend orientations and information sessions to prepare for your responsibilities. Shifts are assigned based on hospital needs and are typically offered weekly or bi-weekly. You are also required to maintain consistent attendance, with absences limited to only a few weeks during the program. During your time at the hospital, you’ll wear a designated uniform and work directly with staff, patients, and visitors – gaining valuable experience in a healthcare environment while contributing to the operations of the hospital.
8. Cupertino Parks and Recreation Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: YAB limited to 13 members; REV accepts multiple volunteers per cycle
Location: Cupertino, California
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: YAB runs year-round with regular planning meetings; REV operates year-round with applications reviewed in September, December, March, and May
Application Deadline: YAB applications announced in winter; REV applications accepted quarterly
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8 to 11, preference for Cupertino residents
The City of Cupertino’s Parks and Recreation Department offers volunteer opportunities for students looking for a fun way to get involved and make a difference in the community. You can take part in volunteer programs that focus on leadership, teamwork, and community engagement. As a member of the Youth Activity Board (YAB), you’ll collaborate with Recreation staff and the Teen Commission to design and host events for local youth throughout the year. The YAB consists of 13 middle and high school students who meet regularly to create new programs and activities each month. The application process includes short written responses, a recommendation letter, and a brief video introduction. If you prefer a broader volunteer experience, you can apply to become a Recreation Event Volunteer (REV). REVs support citywide events on a recurring basis, helping with setup, organization, and onsite activities to ensure positive experiences for community members. REV applications are reviewed quarterly, giving you multiple chances to get involved.
9. Greenwich Junior United Way
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by program; Reading Champions includes about 150 volunteers annually
Location: Greenwich, Connecticut
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Reading Champions runs mid-October through May; other programs operate year-round with specific cycles
Application Deadline: Recruitment and applications accepted on program-specific timelines
Eligibility: Open to teens and adults; Greenwich Junior United Way is teen-led with adult guidance
Greenwich United Way Volunteer Program connects high school students with community service projects across the region. It offers several ways to get involved, allowing you to build skills while giving back to the community. As a member of the Campaign Fundraising Committee, you help with outreach efforts by writing notes to donors, reviewing contact lists, and participating in phonathons. On the Community Investment Committee, you’ll help review funding applications and visit local organizations to better understand their needs and programs. If you are interested in education, the Reading Champions initiative provides training to tutor elementary school students in fluency skills during scheduled sessions from mid-October through May. If you are interested in youth-led service, you can join the Greenwich Junior United Way, where teens develop their own projects to address community issues under adult guidance. Other opportunities include assisting with research and outreach through the Community Planning Council or contributing to Sole Sisters, a women’s initiative focused on supporting local nonprofits through fundraising events.
10. Lumiere Research Scholar
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; highly selective
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,990 for the Individual Research Program (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Summer Cohort: June–August; Fall: September–December; Winter: December–February; Spring: March–June (program length varies by track)
Application Deadline: Summer Cohort regular deadline: May 11 (others vary by cohort)
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3/4.0
Lumiere Education allows high school students to participate in independent research projects under the guidance of PhD mentors. During the fall session, which runs for 12 weeks, you’ll develop a research question, conduct experiments or analysis, and prepare a formal research paper. Projects span a variety of academic fields, depending on your interests and the mentor’s area of expertise. The program is conducted virtually, allowing you to meet regularly with your mentor and collaborate with other students to stay on track. This program gives you the opportunity to volunteer your time and skills to contribute to an ongoing research project, while learning how research is conducted in the real world. The fall session is open to high school students worldwide, and all work is structured around clear goals and timelines to ensure steady progress.
11. Midland Neighboring Week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open participation; community-wide event
Location: Midland County, Michigan
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: September 28–October 4
Application Deadline: Event submissions accepted prior to and during Neighboring Week
Eligibility: Open to all community members and organizations
Neighboring Week is an annual community-wide event in Midland County, organized by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition’s Neighboring Committee. During this week, you can join activities hosted by neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations that focus on building connections and celebrating inclusivity. Events are independently organized and may include social gatherings or community projects. You are encouraged to plan or participate in activities and share them through the community calendar, ensuring you are tagged to be part of the larger celebration. The event coincides with the Global Diversity Month, highlighting the importance of belonging and generosity. By taking part, you help strengthen Midland’s ongoing effort to create a welcoming and thriving community.
12. Manistee County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not publicly stated
Location: Manistee County, Michigan
Cost: None
Dates: School year cycle, with meetings starting each fall
Application Deadline: October 5
Eligibility: High school students from Manistee County (including public, private, and homeschooled students)
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a leadership program for high school students that gives you a voice in shaping community initiatives and funding decisions. Acting as a youth voice for the Manistee County Community Foundation, the Youth Council provides inputs on programs, policy, and grants from the Youth Endowment Fund. As a YAC member, you’ll review applications, discuss which projects are most important, and recommend where funding should be allocated. Along with grantmaking, you may take part in community events and fundraising activities that support the growth of the endowment fund. Beginning in 2025, the council will also consider applications within the Foundation’s broader grant program, which includes a wider range of youth-focused initiatives. By participating in the program, you’ll learn how philanthropy works within the county and how funding decisions shape local programs for young people.
13. Best Buddies High School Chapters
Cohort Size: Depends on chapter; not publicly stated
Location: Local high schools; varies by district
Cost: Typically none; small fees may apply for events or materials
Dates: School year, starting in the fall
Application Deadline: Set by each chapter
Eligibility: High school students, with or without IDD
Best Buddies High School Chapters bring high school students together to build meaningful friendships and promote inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a member, you’ll be paired with a buddy and meet regularly to share experiences, join school-based activities, and participate in chapter events that promote inclusion and strengthen a sense of community. Chapters organize group outings, awareness days, and social gatherings, giving you opportunities to interact with other members and celebrate inclusion on a large scale. Most chapters follow the school year calendar, with many programs starting in the fall and continuing through the year. You can also take on leadership roles, helping to plan events, coordinate activities, or support chapter initiatives. You may also get involved in campaigns or awareness efforts that encourage participation and foster an inclusive environment in your school.
14. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools
Cohort Size / Acceptance Rate: Not publicly stated; depends on each chapter
Location: Local high schools; varies by district and school
Cost: Typically none; some chapters may request small fees for events or materials
Dates: School year cycle, with activities starting in the fall
Application Deadline: Determined by each local chapter or school program
Eligibility: High school students, with or without intellectual disabilities
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools give high school students an opportunity to promote inclusion through sports, leadership, and teamwork. These school-based programs bring students with and without intellectual disabilities to create inclusive environments where everyone can participate and thrive. As a volunteer, you can contribute in many ways – serving as a coach, trainer, event organizer, or unified partner who plays alongside athletes. You may help plan and run competitions, assist at practices, coordinate events, coordinate awareness campaigns, or cheer on teams during games. The program runs throughout the school year, with many activities starting in the fall, and events are scheduled to fit around your school calendar. You can also take part in larger Special Olympics events at the local, state, or national level, where volunteers help manage games, competitions, and community programs.
15. Cedars-Sinai Teen Volunteer Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: October 6 — December 15
Application Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: High school student volunteers must be 14–18 years old and enrolled in high school.
Cedars-Sinai Teen Volunteer Program offers high school students aged 14–18 an opportunity to volunteer in a hospital environment. As a volunteer, you’ll take on non-clinical roles such as greeting patients, delivering items, and providing information to support hospital operations. Before starting, you’ll attend a mandatory in-person Teen Information Session with a parent or guardian and complete the hospital’s health and safety protocols. Once assigned, you'll be directly working with staff and other volunteers on assigned duties. The program runs during the school year, allowing students to participate regularly in hospital activities. Volunteers follow scheduled shifts and are expected to adhere to program guidelines to ensure a safe experience.
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