Students who participate in community volunteer projects and work for wide-scale social change deserve a round of applause. Their efforts change the lives of individuals and families and help make their communities into more vibrant and inclusive places to live.
Volunteering for a cause comes with many personal rewards. To celebrate National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 12-18 this year, here are a number of ways student activists can also find scholarships and cash awards for their service.
[Find career-focused volunteer opportunities in high school.]
Younger social activists can find funding for their projects and get a head start on changing the world through the Disney Friends for Change Grant. This grant was created for Global Youth Service Day to encourage the development of healthy behaviors.
Students ages 5-18 can apply and grantees receive $500 to use within their community to effect change. Submit your ideas using the online application by February of each year.
Exceptional high school juniors can apply for the Bezos Scholars Program. This program offers the opportunity to participate in a yearlong leadership development program with the Aspen Institute in Colorado.
Participants receive a fully funded trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, where bright students from across the U.S. and Africa explore topics such as STEM education, literacy and environmental issues. Students also receive $1,000 in seed funding to create a local version of the festival. Public high school students with a GPA of at least 3.5 and high scores on standardized tests should plan ahead and apply in February.
[Check out college scholarships that reward student leadership.]
If you’re already in college, check for service learning opportunities and scholarships at your institution. Universities often have funding set aside for students to engage with the surrounding communities, and these awards are generally given based on your commitment to service, rather than your grades or financial need.
For example, students at Indiana University–Purdue University–Indianapolis can apply for the Sam H. Jones Community Service Scholarship. This program offers financial awards and also includes course work and training to help develop leadership skills. Check with the financial aid counselor at your school for similar opportunities.
Project-based funding for volunteer efforts can also be found from private sources. Students with service-based projects can apply for a $1,000 award from The Awesome Foundation. The foundation supports projects in the arts and sciences and serves individuals in a wide variety of countries. This is a great resource for students who may be working on international or global issues.
[Get additional tips and advice on paying for college.]
If your passion for service has focused on a specific area, you can seek out some specialized scholarships as well. Disabled American Veterans offers the Jesse Brown Scholarship to students who have spent at least 100 hours volunteering at a Veterans Affairs medical center. The time commitment is significant, but with a top award of $20,000 and additional awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, it’s well worth it.
For student activists who focus on social justice and peace, the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund awards education grants of up to $10,000. Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in an accredited school and demonstrate a commitment to activism. Financial need is considered, and applications are accepted Jan. 1 through April 1.
Finally, if you plan to take your studies and your volunteer work overseas, you can find a number of study-abroad scholarships for volunteers. The Go Overseas Volunteer Abroad Scholarship provides $500 awards, and the application, which requires a few photos and some brief text, is open until May 1.
Congratulations on all of the hard work and many hours you’ve already dedicated toward making social change. Keep fighting the good fight.
More from U.S. News
Scholarships for Finance, Accounting Students Can Add Up
Support Your Study at Prestigious Universities With These Scholarships
Cure Tuition Ills With Medical School Scholarships
Target Scholarship Opportunities for Student Activists, Volunteers originally appeared on usnews.com