One of the most frequent questions I get as a teacher in Frisco revolves around the ever-present search for volunteer opportunities for young people.
- Which organizations allow teenagers to volunteer?
- Which organizations offer training, or don’t require training?
- Which organizations will sign off on the hours a teenager contributes?
Are Community Service Hours Required for High School Graduation?
In Frisco, community service hours are not required for high school graduation, but students who complete all requirements of the Community Service Program will be recognized at their graduation ceremony by a colored cord as well as recognition in the graduation program. (Additional information is available on page 16 of the Frisco ISD High School Handbook.)
Meanwhile, community service is often a requirement for certain organizations or clubs, not to mention critical to the college application process. In other cases, kids simply want to help their community but they aren’t sure which organizations have volunteer jobs suited to them.
How to Find Volunteer Opportunities for Teenagers in Frisco
The most direct way to identify non-profit organizations who serve the Frisco community is through the new, citywide initiative, GIVE FOR FRISCO! The NEW web platform is developed and managed by Lifestyle Frisco with support from Mayor Cheney to assist nonprofit organizations with increased awareness and digital marketing support, thereby driving more volunteers and donor dollars. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, become an advocate or make a donation, finding your favorite local cause is the easiest it’s ever been!
Additionally, below you’ll find a list of area organizations that are seeking volunteers and welcome teenagers in particular. Each organization has different criteria (age, supervision requirements, etc.) so make sure to have your child do a little research before jumping in.
If you know of additional organizations who allow teenagers to serve as volunteers, please comment below. We would love to add them to the list!
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial
- 18 and older are welcome to apply
- Typical duties include “staff support, customer service, and direct patient care”
- Along with an application, 2 letters of reference and the most recent report card are required
Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County
- 15+ welcome with adult supervision
- Typical duties include but are not limited to tutoring, facility maintenance, special events, and helping out with day to day activities
- Volunteer times are 3:30-7:30 PM Monday-Friday
- An application and orientation are required before you begin
- 16+ welcome
- Clothe a Child provides clothing for economically disadvantaged youth. The volunteer would be paired with a family to guide them through the entire clothing selection process
- You are required to attend an orientation in early Fall prior to the annual event
- Minimum Age:
- Ages 4-10 can volunteer while supervised by an adult with Little Hands
- Ages 11 – 15 need an adult with them to volunteer
- Ages 16 – 17 can volunteer autonomously with a signed parental consent form
- Orientation is required for ages 16+ and for the supervising adult
- Typical duties include but are not limited to helping in the resale shop, food pantry or community garden
- Teens 14+ do not require guardian supervision
- Typical duties may include meal bag assembly, hosting a food drive, or participating in community volunteer night
- Frisco Fastpacs hosts community events and will post on social media 1-2 weeks in advance regarding any volunteer opportunities
- No orientation is required, but if you are joining on a pack night, sign up online to let Frisco Fastpacs know you will be there!
- Ages 15+ welcome
- Typical duties include working Safety Town during school breaks or special events
- You will need to create an account through MyVolunteerPage to access and sign up for opportunities electronically
Heritage Association of Frisco
- Volunteers aged 13-17 require adult supervision
- Volunteer opportunities are mostly with special events or projects such as Third Sunday or Shawnee Trail Cowboy Day
- Third Sunday high school teens help with set up, children’s crafts, greeting guests and break down
- Sign up through the city volunteer website
- Before volunteering, it is recommended that you become a member of the association
- Your job may be everything from a game day volunteer to a coach, buddy, or even photographer.
- Guardian signature is required on the application form
- Minimum Age: 16
- Mazie’s has numerous events throughout the year that teens can volunteer at including talking to the public about Mazie’s and helping with pets at adoption events
- Volunteer Application
- Email vet-care@maziesmission.org or call 214-436-4591 for more info
- Ages 14+ welcome without adult supervision
- Volunteers below 14 require adult supervision (Adults require a $12.50 background check)
- Duties can include prepping supplies for camps, workshops, or outreach events and with exhibits, STEM camps or special events
- An application is required before volunteering
- Middle and High School students welcome
- There are a wide variety of opportunities including but not limited to:
- Agricultural – cutting back plants, spreading mulch and building new beds
- Litter abatement – litter cleanup, preparing for city-wide cleanups, and zero-waste station monitoring
- Educational outreach – helping at events with opportunities for public speaking
- Hands-on recycling – preparing items for recycling from the Environmental Collection Center
- Follow their Eventbrite to RSVP for up-to-date opportunities
- Get opportunities sent to your phone via text
- Volunteers should arrive prepared to work in proper attire and a positive attitude
- VolunTEEN is based at the Frisco Public Library
- Grades 6-12 have an opportunity to join the Frisco Advisory Board for the academic calendar year and participate in service drives along with writing book reviews or appraising library classes
- Grades 9-12 can join the Frisco Action Board where duties include but are not limited to assisting with classes or events, sorting returned items, and tidying public areas
- There is an application process with specific deadlines
- Ages 14+ welcome, no supervision required
- Typical duties include but are not limited to helping with special events, assisting the Childwatch area or tidying up the facility
- There’s a background check and a brief 30-minute training required beforehand
- Contact YMCA Frisco to get the process started
If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest way to earn hours, connect with upcoming festivals, fundraisers, marathons, and 5Ks. Without a doubt, these kinds of events need a ton of volunteers and typically don’t require a lot of training beforehand.
