These opportunities are for educators, students, and school leaders who want to develop community service activities with their school.
All Schools
Participate in Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Student Series Programs
The Student Series programs allow students at all grade levels to support LLS in finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and in improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Pennies for Patients is a three-week program for elementary and middle schools in which students collect change and raise funds online. By participating in Pennies for Patients, teachers have the opportunity to incorporate service-learning and character-building into their curriculum. Through the Collect for Cures program, high school students raise money for blood cancer research while demonstrating leadership, creativity, and teamwork and learning about service, marketing, and philanthropy. Complete the Student Series registration for your school.
Elementary Schools
Register for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Kids Walk
New York City educators and students can join the growing list of schools and students nationwide that are helping JDRF create a world without type 1 diabetes. JDRF Kids Walk is a school-based fundraising program that educates students about type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the importance of a healthy lifestyle while also challenging them to raise money for life-changing T1D research. The Kids Walk program begins with an educational kickoff where students learn about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, healthy diet and exercise, and safe and effective fundraising strategies. Students then spend two weeks fundraising for T1D research and can earn fun rewards with school approval. Finally, students participate in a celebratory JDRF Kids Walk on their school campus. Complete the Kids Walk registration for your school.
Middle and High Schools
Join the Red Cross Clubs
The American Red Cross Greater New York Region’s multi-faceted Youth and Young Adult Services program includes Red Cross High School Clubs organized at middle schools and high schools throughout the region. Being a Red Cross Club member builds character and provides young people with the tools and experience needed to develop strong leadership, communication, and community service skills. By interacting with those in need, Red Cross youth volunteers establish a sense of awareness and personal achievement. Additionally, Club members are encouraged to become permanent members of the American Red Cross Greater New York Region as they grow within the organization and take on increasing levels of responsibility. Red Cross invites students and educators to join or start a Red Cross Club at their school. Learn more about joining a Red Cross Club.
High Schools
Participate in Citymeals on Wheels
Volunteers with Citymeals on Wheels make a difference in the lives of the homebound elderly. Citymeals on Wheels provides nutritious food and human company to homebound elderly New Yorkers in need, helping them to live with dignity in their own homes and communities. Opportunities are available for students ages 16 and older to volunteer on weekday and weekend meal deliveries, and students of all ages can make personalized cards for Citymeals recipients or help package food for delivery. Volunteers can also serve meals to older New Yorkers at their local senior center or assist with teaching computer skills. Volunteers are free to choose the frequency and length of their commitment. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All potential student volunteers must attend an orientation at the Citymeals on Wheels office, at which time students choose their volunteer opportunity and/or senior center site. Read about the volunteer opportunities at Citymeals on Wheels.
Start a GlamourGals Chapter
Community Service Planning Guides and Resources
These planning guides and resources can help educators and school leaders get their students involved in community service.
A+ Fundraisers for High Schools
The A+ Fundraisers for High Schools guide from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides tips and strategies to implement a successful fundraiser that promotes community health.
All for Good
On All for Good the Points of Light database offers numerous volunteer opportunities, searchable by location.
NYC Service's Volunteer Project Finder
NYC Service’s volunteer opportunity database allows school staff and students to locate volunteer opportunities by age requirements, borough/zip code, interests and issues, skill sets, keywords, and dates.
New York Cares Youth Volunteering Programs
New York Cares offers teen-friendly volunteer opportunities for groups of young people looking to engage in one-time or long-term community service projects.
Volunteer Match
Volunteer Match provides searchable lists of volunteer opportunities that can be filtered by borough, issue area, and age or group size requirements.