Teen volunteering has become commonplace, as many middle and high schools require service hours and many colleges look for volunteer experience on applications. But the benefits are greater than these. Volunteer experiences can have a positive impact on adolescent mental health and overall cognitive development.
Here are some of the benefits teens can expect:
Social Emotional Growth
Teens who volunteer regularly make connections with new friends around a shared interest. Volunteering provides teens with a safe social space away from the sometimes stressful environment at school, while allowing them to hone their social skills with new groups.
Finding and Developing Passion
Teens often feel stressed about their post-secondary plans. Volunteering provides a low-pressure way to try a var