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Department of State

Volunteer and National Service

Shirley U. Emehelu, Acting Secretary of State
Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School students and AvidXchange employees

Scholarships for Student Volunteers

Students who have made a positive impact through volunteerism and community service may qualify for scholarships offered by federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private organizations. This page provides information and resources to help students find scholarship opportunities, understand eligibility requirements, and apply for awards that recognize their commitment to serving their communities.

Volunteerism Scholarship Tips

  • Apply to multiple scholarships throughout the year.
  • Start applications early to avoid missing deadlines.
  • Maintain strong grades and participate in extracurricular activities.
  • Volunteer regularly and pursue leadership opportunities.
  • Request letters of recommendation well in advance of application deadlines.
  • Search for scholarships at the local, state, and national levels to maximize available opportunities.
  • Review eligibility requirements and application instructions carefully before applying.
  • Keep a record of your volunteer experience, leadership roles, awards, and community impact to strengthen your applications.

 

Strong Scholarship Combinations

 

Service Activity Recognition or Achievement
250+ volunteer hours Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Gold)
Founded a community service project Local, state, or national volunteerism award
AmeriCorps service Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Leadership in a service organization Leadership awards and scholarship opportunities
Organized a community service initiative Civic or community leadership recognition
Environmental conservation projects Environmental stewardship awards
STEM tutoring or mentoring STEM service or education awards
Youth mentoring Youth service or mentoring awards
Food bank or hunger relief volunteering Community service recognition

Scholarship Search Resources

The following scholarship search websites can help students identify funding opportunities based on their academic achievements, interests, volunteer experience, and community service. Many of these resources allow students to create a profile and receive personalized scholarship matches, making it easier to find awards that align with their qualifications.

  • Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) – Matches students with scholarships based on their profile, including opportunities that recognize volunteerism and community service.
  • FinAid (www.finaid.org) – Provides comprehensive information on financial aid, including scholarships for students with volunteer and community service experience.
  • Scholarships.com (www.scholarships.com) – Offers a searchable database of scholarships, including awards that recognize leadership, civic engagement, and community service.

 

 


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