High School Community Service & Volunteering Programs in North America

Learn the ropes of a successful non-governmental organization (NGO) operation as you discover how supporting disadvantaged children can lift an entire community. For three weeks, you’ll brighten the way for some special youngsters while building valuable social work skills. The scenic Yucatán is home to dazzling beaches, awe-inspiring Mayan ruins, and the cosmopolitan city of Mérida. It’s an incredible place to work with a well-established NGO, dedicated to supporting disadvantaged youth. Get a firsthand look at the various key staff roles and skill sets required to make an international NGO hum smoothly, as you pitch in with different aspects of daily operations. Support and play with children as they learn critical life skills, from effective communication to self-care to sportsmanship. It all adds up to a valuable experience you can transfer to any community or professional role you pursue.

Join us this summer for some sun, sand, and sea turtles as we explore the Hawaiian islands! From vibrant Honolulu to laid-back Maui, this program covers some of the best highlights of Hawaii, including beautiful waterfalls, postcard-perfect beaches, and plenty of adventure! Spend some time learning about sea turtle conservation and participate in several projects to protect the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Projects include snorkeling and reef surveying, nest watches, night patrols, and watching over sea turtles as they bask on the island’s beaches. Plenty of adventure will complement our service projects. Zipline through lush jungles, walk through bamboo forests to waterfalls, hike to the top of a volcanic crater, take a surf lesson and more on this incredible journey to discover the best Hawaii has to offer!

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

A true tropical paradise with breathtaking nature, stunning views, world-famous white-sand beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and incredible biodiversity—Hawaii is a dream destination for young people from all over the world. This exciting adventure program will take our students to some of the best destinations on the Hawaiian islands, introducing them to one of the most diverse and most awe-inspiring ecosystems in the world. They will marvel at the natural beauty of Honolulu – washed by the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, with colorful seaside villages, and some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. Students will learn about Sustainability, Biodiversity, and Aquatic Ecosystems in a fun and engaging way, based on our Experiential Learning Method. They will also participate in community service projects with our Hawaiian partners, protecting animal habitats and fighting deforestation, sea pollution, and climate change.

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

Use your spring break to take a volunteer trip this year. Our volunteers get to travel to the Caribbean and immerse themselves in the world of marine conservation. A highlight of the trip is earning your PADI Open Water certification and learning research techniques to help contribute to marine conservation efforts in the future. Mexico has some spectacular sights to explore; use this opportunity to discover the ancient Mayans and the area's cultural delights. Explore Mexico! The region, along with diving, is famous for its bountiful cenotes, stunning beaches, historical ruins, and vibrant atmosphere.

Explore diverse travel experiences in the USA! Rustic Pathways’ USA programs are designed to offer students impactful and adventurous experiences close to home. From immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures to engaging in meaningful community service, these programs are perfect for developing leadership skills and broadening perspectives. Whether you’re helping rebuild communities in New Orleans or exploring the pristine waters of Hawaii through surf and snorkel adventures, each program is packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and unforgettable memories. Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii – Join local organizations in preserving Hawaii's biodiversity and enjoy activities like hiking, beach relaxation, and surfing in your free time. Rebuilding New Orleans – Work with local organizations to rebuild homes and join community-building initiatives.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

This is the perfect program for teens who want to experience an authentic, hands-on, and unique volunteer program in one of the world's most pristine and dynamic countries. Enjoy island paradise and rural living with like-minded peers on diverse projects, from marine conservation at our island base camp to sustainable development to a children's after-school program in local villages. This immersive program offers numerous opportunities to interact with Fijians to better understand and appreciate their culture and foster an appreciation for our teens’ lives. Outside of volunteering, they experience amazing adventures like ziplining, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking in dunes. They also enjoy cultural experiences like pottery and craft workshops, Indo-Fijian cooking lessons, soaking in mud baths, and plenty of beach and ‘island time.’ The program ends with a fantastic finale in Hawaii, spending 4 nights in the modern paradise of Honolulu. A limited number of participants depart on day 18, while the 24-day participants continue to Hawaii.

Experience Hawai‘i’s unparalleled biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and deep cultural heritage on a hands-on service program across the Big Island and Maui. Work alongside local nonprofits and Native Hawaiian elders to restore fragile ecosystems, support cultural revitalization efforts, and learn the importance of malama ʻāina—caring for the land. Explore ancient agricultural systems, help remove invasive species, and participate in workshops rooted in Hawaiian tradition. Between service days, snorkel with manta rays, hike coastal trails, learn to surf, and reflect during a traditional closing ceremony.

Enter a world of red-rock spires and intricate canyons as we explore the critical environmental issues shaping the American West. Live the ultimate adventure with a 2-day rafting trip down the Arkansas River, delving into water rights and the geological history of these sacred lands. Volunteer at a wolf sanctuary to study the elusive Gray Wolf and learn about sustainable living practices rooted in nature. Hike through slot canyons sculpted over millennia and navigate a labyrinth of twisted orange spires and jagged arches. Walk the historic lands of the Ancestral Puebloans and Hopi people, discover the diverse wildlife of the region, and experience the breathtaking desert sunsets that define the West!

Enjoy a summer French immersion is one of the world's most picturesque cities in the world! UNESCO declared Quebec city a World Heritage site. Enjoy this old walled city, with its characteristic green copper roofs and fortified Citadel. Explore its narrow cobbled stoned streets, small boutiques and street cafes which emphasize the European air of the 'Upper Town'. Quebec City is the center of French culture in Canada with a 95% French-speaking population. In addition to its Old World charm, Quebec also bills itself as the World's Snow Capital during the Winter months. Located on a beautiful college campus.

Live on an iconic conservation ranch amidst the rolling hills of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. Engage in diverse volunteer projects as a way to show gratitude to this honorable community for sharing their lives with us. Attend cultural ceremonies, connect with the landscape, and prepare for a powerful experience that will resonate for a lifetime. - True Immersion, Cultural Events & Ceremonies - Glacier National Park, Swimming Holes & Scenic Hikes - Carpentry, Conservation, Animal Care & Social Services

Join us on a 14-day teen environmental service and adventure trip where we explore the landscapes and culture on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. Join us to discover the crystal clear waters, the vibrant culture, the breathtaking mountains, and everything in between. Help with ongoing service work helping restore the native lands, and immerse yourself in island life as we work side by side with locals. Program Includes: Boat Exploration, Cultural Immersion, Environmental Service, Explore Maui, Hike, Snorkel, Surf, and More! Service Hours: 15-25 Sessions: Multiple session dates - Check out our website for dates and full trip details!

Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) offers an engaging and comprehensive Middle School Program designed for international students aged 11-14. Located in Massachusetts, WMA provides a supportive and challenging academic environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The Middle School Program, 6th to 8th grade, emphasizes intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a global perspective. Core subjects Include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, and World Languages. And Extracurricular activities include sports, arts, and Clubs and Organizations. WMA focuses on the all-round development of students, encouraging academic excellence, athletic participation, artistic expression, and social responsibility. Learn from highly qualified and dedicated teachers who are committed to student success. Beautiful Campus: Experience life on a picturesque New England campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Embark on an enriching educational journey with Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Middle School Program. Apply now to join a vibrant community of learners and lay the foundation for a successful future!