Skyline High School has introduced a new volunteering program aimed at helping students connect with their community, build meaningful experiences, and earn recognition for their service. The initiative, called Volunteer for Good, gives students access to volunteering opportunities both in and out of school, while also providing a system to track their hours for awards, scholarships, and resumes.
The new program, now available to all students, is centered around getting students to step into volunteering, and take part in the community. There’s a website (skylineserves.graniteschools.org) where students can find and log volunteer activities. Opportunities range from helping in classrooms and with school clubs to working with outside organizations within the community.
“Our goal is to get every single student to engage in volunteering in some capacity, or at least recognize what they’re already doing,” said Josie Burke, one of the program’s organizers.
Students can volunteer nearly anywhere, as long as the work is unpaid and supports others. Some examples include designing posters for clubs, donating clothing, assisting teachers, participating in community drives, or volunteering with local organizations. A list of approved opportunities is available through the district Volunteer for Good webpage.
“There is a website specifically for Skyline, and it’s skylineserves.graniteschools.org,” said Morgan Del Grosso, who helps coordinate the program. “Once you log in, you can look at all the volunteer hours that are posted district wide, and even through Skyline.”
The program also makes volunteering accessible for students with different schedules and interests. Teachers for their classrooms will soon be able to request student help directly, giving students more chances to earn hours during the school day. For students who prefer larger or off-campus projects, partnerships are forming across the district. One example being discussed is at the Humane Society, where students would donate Amazon boxes to support animal care.
No students need to sign up to participate, as well all hours can be logged on the Volunteer for Good district website after completing service. Physical log sheets are also available, for those who need them, in the career center. This makes it easy for students to begin volunteering at any time throughout the year.
“You don’t necessarily need to sign up,” Burke said. “You just go to the website and log your hours, and it will automatically sign you in with your name.”
The program also ties into graduation recognition. Students can earn a service cord by completing their required number of volunteer hours before May 1, which is especially important for Seniors preparing for graduation. Students also have the option to complete the medallion project, where students are required to complete 200 total volunteer hours throughout their high school experience or complete one 40-hour service project and write a reflection.
“There’s a medallion project that you can do your Senior year,” Burke added. “Either a 40-hour project or 200 total hours, and then you submit an application and reflection by the end of the year.”
Organizers want to make volunteering approachable and enjoyable, not overwhelming. The hope is that students feel connected to the community, discover new interests, and gain experiences that support their personal and academic growth.
“It is a great opportunity, and it’s easier than it seems,” Del Grosso said. “Volunteering makes you feel better, and studies have proven it helps mental health and helps you get more involved in your community.”
