Unlock Your Potential: A Guide to Volunteer Scholarship Opportunities

Volunteering is not only a rewarding way to give back to your community, but it can also open doors to financial assistance for your education. In 2022, over 60.7 million adults in the U.S. volunteered with an organization, according to the Volunteering in America Report. This article explores various volunteer scholarship opportunities available to students who demonstrate a commitment to service.

The Value of Volunteering

Volunteering offers numerous benefits, both personally and academically. According to WebMD, helping others can lead to a healthier and happier life. Furthermore, community service enhances college applications and resumes, showcasing your dedication and character.

Finding the Right Scholarship

Navigating the world of scholarships can be overwhelming, but resources like Going Merry can simplify the process. By creating a profile, students can be matched with thousands of scholarships for which they are eligible. Scholarships.com is another useful platform for finding community service scholarships tailored to specific interests and involvement.

Specificity is Key

To maximize your chances of winning a scholarship, focus on those with narrow eligibility criteria that align with your unique experiences. The JLR Outstanding Community Service Scholarship, for example, is exclusively for female high school seniors in the Rockford, Illinois area, increasing the odds for eligible applicants.

Scholarships for All Ages

Volunteer scholarship opportunities are not limited to high school seniors. High school students of any age can apply for awards like the Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR), which offers $2,500 to students committed to public service in racial equality. Similarly, older students enrolled in college or graduate school can explore options like the National Parent Volunteer Association (NPVA) scholarships, which recognize dedication to community volunteering.

Featured Volunteer Scholarship Opportunities

Here are some notable volunteer scholarship opportunities, categorized for clarity:

General Community Service Scholarships

Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship: This scholarship, worth $10,000, is available to graduating high school seniors from the Greater Bay Area who demonstrate extraordinary community service accomplishments. Preference is given to students with financial need. Deadline is November 3, 2026. The Good Tidings Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) children's charity, is dedicated to uplifting marginalized children in the Bay Area. Their mission is to create spaces for athletics, artistic activities, education, and wonder, offering opportunities for growth that transcend financial status, ethnic origin, or religion.
The Lillian’s and Ruby’s Way Scholarship: This scholarship supports one high school senior who is passionate about bringing change to their community and society through leadership. It is open to any high school senior with the desire for betterment of our future as a community, country and society.
Shamrock Cares Scholarship: This program inspires future generations to give back to their communities. All scholarship applicants are instructed to do an activity that aids the community.
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships: The Horatio Alger Association offers 51 scholarships across the country, 50 state scholarships plus one for the District of Columbia.

Read also: Your Guide to Volunteer Hours
Cameron Impact Scholarship: High school students may apply for the Cameron Impact Scholarship for college or university full-time.

Scholarships Based on Specific Affiliations or Activities

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Scholarship: This college scholarship is open to volunteers age 21 or younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 hours credited through DAV or DAV Auxiliary. Students may apply with the inclusion of an essay on what volunteering for veterans means for them. Volunteer hours can be accumulated at a VA medical center, and/or the Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP). Hours must be credited to Disabled American Veterans. The deadline to apply for 2026 scholarships is Feb.
Red Cross Scholarships and Awards: Red Cross youth volunteers may be eligible for several scholarships and awards, including the Navin Narayan Award for Excellence in Youth Leadership, Navin Narayan College Scholarship, Leaders Save Lives Scholarships, Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship, and James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship. Leaders Save Lives is a program to encourage high school and college students to host blood drives during critical collection time periods while school is out of session. Participating students earn leadership skills and volunteer hours. One (1) scholarship of up to $20,000 will be awarded per year for tuitions and fees, books and supplies and/or room and board or other educational needs purchased through the school of the students’ choice.
City Year: City Year, a proud member of AmeriCorps, is a national service organization that brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds for a demanding ten months of full - time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement. Eligibility Requirements: Must be between the ages of 17-24 and a United States citizen or permanent resident alien. High school graduate / G.E.D. recipient OR agreement to pursue a G.E.D.
Bonner Scholars Award: This award is available to entering first-year students at participating colleges who demonstrate high financial need and have an interest in community service and social justice issues. Bonner Scholars will be expected to serve an average of 10 hours of community service each week during the school year and participate in other Bonner Scholars activities.

Read also: A Guide to the Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Loyola Law Community Service Scholarship: This scholarship is available to entering students attending Loyola University School of Law - Chicago who have participated in Americorps, City Year, Peace Corps, VISTA, Teach for America, or Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Scholarships Related to Diversity and Inclusion

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship: This scholarship provides college funding to students of Hispanic heritage with awards of up to $100,000. Requirements include being a U.S. resident, younger than 21 years old, having a 3.0 GPA, at least one parent being of Hispanic heritage, a transcript, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and a list of community service projects.
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards: This award honors Latino high school seniors who demonstrate involvement in their community and an exceptional academic record. Students are recognized in categories such as Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, and Technology & Engineering. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or qualify under the DACA.
Martin Luther King Junior Commemoration Society Scholarship: The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Commermoration Society, Inc (MLK) has awarded scholarships to high school seniors for over 21 years. Requirements include having worked on a project to advance racial equity and explain your understanding and mutual respect among members of your school or community.

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

Seminar for International Service-Learning Professional Development Grant: This grant supports faculty members and administrators in developing international service-learning curriculum in classrooms. The seminar is hosted in Quito, Ecuador.

Scholarships for International Volunteer Work

United Planet Service Scholarships: United Planet offers various Service Scholarships towards any of their Gap Year, Volunteer Abroad, Internship Abroad, and Virtual Quests. Applicants for the Service Scholarship must be first-time Quest participants.
Long-Term Volunteer Quest Scholarships: Returnees of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) have organized funds for partial scholarships to be awarded on a need-basis.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship: Partnering with the Gilman Scholarship, United Planet offers a scholarship of $5,000 for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
CCID International Volunteer Scholarship: Partnering with Community Colleges for International Development (CCID), United Planet offers a range of scholarships to fulfill this vital commitment, and give every student the opportunity to have an international experience. The Scholarship must be applied to an individual Volunteer Abroad Quest or Virtual Quest program before the end of the current calendar year.
Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) United Planet Merit Scholarship: One merit-based scholarship for an inducted student member of each chapter within every ACHS member society per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international program in one of over 35 countries). Five merit-based scholarships for alumni in every ACHS society per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international program in one of over 35 countries).
Sigma Theta Tau Global Health & Leadership Scholarship: One merit-based scholarship for an inducted student member of each Sigma Theta Tau chapter per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international program in one of over 35 countries). Five merit-based scholarships for Sigma Theta Tau alumni per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international program in one of over 35 countries).
Beta Gamma Sigma Social Change & Leadership Scholarship: One merit-based scholarship for an inducted student member of each Beta Gamma Sigma chapter per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international TRAVEL program available in over 35 countries). One merit-based scholarship for an inducted student member of each Beta Gamma Sigma chapter per calendar year in the amount of $250 (for any United Planet international VIRTUAL program available in over 25 countries). Five merit-based scholarships for Beta Gamma Sigma alumni per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international program in one of over 35 countries).
Alpha Lambda Delta Global Leadership & Service Scholarship: One merit-based scholarship for an inducted student member of each Alpha Lambda Delta chapter per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international program in one of over 35 countries). Five merit-based scholarships for Alpha Lambda Delta alumni per calendar year in the amount of $500 (for any United Planet international program in one of over 35 countries).
Bonner International Scholarship: One Completely Funded Scholarship valid for any 4-8 week volunteer program in any of our Short-term Quest destinations. Two $500 Scholarships valid for a volunteer program in any of our Short-term Quest or Long-Term Quest destinations. Two $250 Scholarships valid for any 1-6 month Virtual Quest. Submission deadline: March 31.
American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) Summer Study-Abroad Scholarships: Winners of AATSP Study-Abroad programs in four Central and Latin American countries (Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru) will receive a travel stipend of $1,000 to help offset expenses. To be eligible for AATSP scholarships you must demonstrate that you are an AATSP member for three consecutive years.
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award: The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $15,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Scott M. Roberson Scholarship: The Roberson family created this scholarship in recognition of Scott’s dedication to serving others and in appreciation for the many ways our Tolland friends have honored Scott’s memory.
David Santulli Scholarship for Relational Diplomacy: The David Santulli Scholarship for Relational Diplomacy is an annual award that supports individuals participating in long term global Quests. The scholarship will recognize participants who demonstrate the qualities Dave brought to United Planet including humility, generosity, commitment to service, and a genuine passion for building meaningful relationships across cultures.

Tips for a Strong Application

Maintain a Record of Your Activities: Keep an updated record of your public service and volunteer involvement for reference when you apply.
Craft a Compelling Essay: Strong essays create a person-to-person connection. Look for depth and authenticity. Top scores go to letters that feel personal, reveal new insights about the student, and clearly come from someone who truly knows them.
Highlight Financial Need: Clearly explain your situation, help the reviewers understand your reality, and explain how the scholarship would help.

Additional Resources

Federal Work Study Program: The Federal Work Study program includes a community service component, providing opportunities for students to be employed in community service jobs.
University Funds or Scholarships: Your university or college may be the best place to start looking for scholarships to help you realize your dream of volunteering abroad. Get in touch with the International Office on your campus and tell them your plans - they may offer stipends, grants, or scholarships to help you raise your Quest fee.
Corporate Matching Gifts: Employers often offer a matching program which can be a great resource for employees wishing to dedicate their vacation to volunteer work. Inquire at work to see if your company provides this service.
Fundraising Resources: Many United Planet volunteers have been able to completely fund their Quest through fundraising and donations. Visit their Fundraising page to get some ideas and download their guide!

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