Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful – for your health, for your friends and family, and for opportunities. The opportunity to attend college is a very “American” opportunity; thanks to the community college system, the state public university system and financial aid programs, many more students today in the U.S. enroll in some form of higher education.

Yet there are people less fortunate – and without the same opportunities. Students, consider giving back to your community and sharing your talents. If you play an instrument, volunteer to teach students to play. If you are handy, volunteer your time helping senior citizens with household chores. Work with a literacy program to help adults learn to read. Teach English at your local library to those who are new to this country. Or teach a different language to those who want to learn a foreign language!

Clean up a park, and get your friends to do the same – create your own community service project or effort. Have your school get involved; your teachers and principal will be glad help out your effort. Or you can join a pre-existing program, like Habitat for Humanity, to build homes.

Other ideas include:

•    Volunteer at a museum.
•    Run or walk in a charity race.
•    Volunteer to work with a not-for-profit agency.
•    Volunteer at a hospital.
•    Plant a community garden.

Explore options near you by visiting the Corporation for National & Community Service to find opportunities near you.

Community service is increasingly recognized as an important means to promote positive development among teenagers.  And community service is recognized, and appreciated, by college admissions officers. Admissions officers want to admit students who will contribute to their college community – is that you?

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