If you want to stand out in the scholarship application process, focus on showcasing any unique experiences that have impacted not only yourself, but your community as well. Many scholarship agencies look for candidates that have volunteered and served their community. This commitment and drive shows how much you care about others and that you have what it takes to be a leader. With summer approaching, chances are you want to volunteer but don’t know where to look. It’s not as easy as looking for a job on Craigslist or walking from store to store at the mall asking for job applications. We often don’t realize that there are dozens of service opportunities right in our own backyard. Here are some ways to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

1. Check local institutions. If you want to read or tutor to children then go to your local elementary or middle school and ask about their after school programs. Have a love for animals? Then volunteering at your local animal shelter is the perfect fit for you.  If you aren’t too keen on animals, what about helping out your local senior citizens? Contact your local retirement home for openings in assisting seniors citizens.  If you plan on pursuing a career in medicine, check your local hospital for volunteering programs.
2. Join a service club at school. This is the easiest and most convenient form of volunteering for students. You can volunteer with you classmates and go on service trips for free provided by your school bus. Everything is organized already by your organizations leader and they’ll make a good reference for scholarships too. Animal rights clubs, Key clubs, environmental clubs, national honors society,  are just some examples.
3. Check your church or religious organization. Many volunteer programs are available through your religious organization. These opportunities often focus on helping those in poverty through organizing trips to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and missions abroad.
4. United Way – This organization promotes community service and lists local volunteer opportunities. Browse through their listings and find the right one for you.
5. AmeriCorps- This national and community service program provided by the national government provides thousands of volunteer opportunities nationwide. The programs range from health, education, environment and disaster relief. Full-time members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for college or to pay back qualified student loans. Members who serve part-time receive a partial Award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a  living allowance during the time they do their service.
6. Rotary Club- This international club has chapters nationwide that provide service to communities. Find your local chapter to find out more about ways to serve your community with them.
7. National Park Service Volunteers- Do you enjoy the outdoors? Help restore and maintain your local national park by becoming a national park service volunteer.
8. Projects-Abroad- Spend the summer traveling, learning a new culture, and making an impact in the lives of other people by doing a two-week High School service trip with Projects-Abroad.

Keep in mind, that if at all possible, volunteer opportunities should try to reflect your career goals. Not only will you gain first hand experience in the field of your interest, but you will make connections that will last a lifetime and help you out in the long run when it comes to looking for a job once you graduate college. Make an positive impact on your local community or abroad and you’ll be a stand out when it when it comes to applying for scholarships.