Service Learning Opportunities
Service Learning Opportunities
Service Learning Requirements Service learning is giving time, without pay. One of the graduation requirements for Seattle Public Schools is 60 hours of Service Learning for all students. Ballard HS also offers an Above and Beyond Award at graduation for students who complete 240 hours or more.
Service learning allows students to learn and to apply academic, social and personal skills through activities and is important in helping build a resume for college, learn leadership, apply for jobs or other opportunities including scholarships. Students make a difference and address authentic community needs. As part of service learning, students are asked to reflect and report on their experiences.
New! Opportunity!
53rd Annual Northwest Folklife Festival
The Northwest Folklife Festival needs student volunteers from May 24 – May 27, 2024. The Northwest Folklife Festival is an iconic celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to share their traditions, music, dance, and stories. As one of the largest community-powered festivals in the Pacific Northwest, it relies heavily on the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers to ensure its success.
We seek enthusiastic and committed students who are passionate about celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding to join us as volunteers for this year’s festival. Volunteering at the Northwest Folklife Festival offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in vibrant cultural experiences, connect with diverse communities, and contribute to the vitality of our region’s cultural landscape.
Interested students, please don’t hesitate to contact the Volunteer Office at: @volunteers@nwfolklife.org. We welcome students of all backgrounds, abilities, and interests to join us in creating a vibrant and inclusive festival experience for all.
YESL Pre-Employment Program Apply by April 5
YESL Pre-Employment Program April 22 – June 10: This training program is designed to prepare and inform youth about skills such as growth mindset, time management, resume writing, interview prep, and much more. The class consists of 14 two-hour sessions held virtually over a span of 7 weeks. Please note that a computer or laptop with a functioning camera and microphone is required for program participation (phones are not an acceptable option). You must participate both visually and orally in the group discussions to be eligible for a stipend upon completion. This program is a pre-requisite for future opportunities.
Classes start the week of April 22 running through June 10. Ages 13-14 on Mon/Wed from 4:30-6:30 p.m. or Tues/Thurs from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Ages 15-18 on Tues/Thurs from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Earn a $300 stipend towards program expenses or Service Learning Hours. Questions? Email; teen.programs@seattle.gov
Wilderness Inner-city Leadership Development youth program (WILD)
Our goal at WILD is to engage students in learning about their culture, connecting with their community, developing skills in leadership, cultivating a deep commitment to environmental justice, and exploring and growing their passions. Our program serves all students, with a focus on 14 – 18 year-olds from Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds. We are located in the Chinatown International District (CID) and are part of the InterIm Community Development Association (CDA). I would love to share more about our program and see how we can get students from your school involved.
We offer an outdoor leadership-oriented program, with opportunities for youth to connect with elders in the CID through cooking and gardening, learn about social and environmental justice, work on career and higher education development, learn about the natural environment, and go on engaging field trips to learn skills like rock climbing, backpacking, and snowshoeing. The program runs twice a week after school. We allow rolling admission and are currently in our winter quarter, which runs from 1/3 – 4/5, and will be followed by spring and summer quarters. The students have the option of earning a stipend of $100 per quarter for participation or gaining Service Hours. This is a great way for students to build resumes and connect to communities. You can learn more on our WILD website.
Eat Happy Now Volunteer Opportunities
Eat Happy is a new King County-based organization that aims to decrease hunger in our community by bridging the gap between local grocery stores and restaurants and people who are experiencing food insecurity. We collaborate with local establishments, pick up their excess food free of charge, and deliver directly to shelters, food banks, and community centers. Volunteers who are willing to use their vehicle to pick up and deliver food on a job-by-job basis. Each week, bi-weekly or monthly select any single task (approximately 60-120 minutes each) that works for your schedule.
Our streamlined app makes it easy to know where to go, when to pick up, and who to deliver to. Not only will volunteers make a direct impact on people experiencing food insecurity, but they will help keep food waste out of landfills, and learn valuable skills like coordination and communication with working in their community. Questions: Refer to the Eat Happy Now website or email volunteers@eathappynow.org
Discovery Park Habitat Restoration Dates Vary
My name is Olivia Anderson, I am a Senior at the University of Washington. My Capstone team and I are working on a project out in Discovery Park that is actively restoring the native habitat for the local wildlife. We are in the Ecological restoration program at the University which is under the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.
I am hoping some Ballard HS students would like to come out to the site and get some fieldwork experience and learn about ecology and restoration work. We have work parties twice a week, on Friday and Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., but would be happy to coordinate another time that would work for students to come out to the site. My team and I would love to work with the students to help spark interest in the growing field of environmental science, please let me know if you are interested. Sign up and information is available on the group’s website.
Little League Teen Umpires Needed Paid or SL Hours
Make the Call!
Thinking about a part time job this spring? Ballard Little League is seeking teen umpires for spring baseball and softball games. No experience necessary, they will train!
Pay is $25-$38 a game (or service hours). All equipment provided. Come help provide our younger players a “real game day” experience by umping games between March-June. It’s a fun atmosphere and a way to give back to Little League. Teen will be paired with an adult volunteer umpire for most games.
Sign up on the Ballard Little League website or for more information, email info@ballardlittleleague.com
SPS Self Help Projects Environmental Stewardship
This year the district’s Self Help Projects team is looking for some Environmental Stewardship support at SPS properties and hoping to support High School students in obtaining their Service Learning hours in the process.
Make a difference and earn SL hours! There are some opportunities scattered throughout our city. Join us at an invasive plant removal work party on ay or all of the following dates: April 20 from 10 – 2 p.m. at 6208 60th ave NE., May 18 from 10 – 4 p.m. at 11051 34th Ave NW. Volunteers can participate in as many as they wish. All tools are provided. Sign Up Today! Thank you!
Loyal Heights CC Teen Program Opportunities
The Loyal Heights Community Center Teen Program offers after-school and summer activities for youth ages 11-18 years old. This includes pre-employment training, employment opportunities, service-learning opportunities, out-of-school time programs, fitness, social recreation, and more! Coming soon: Service Learning Opportunities for the March 30 Spring Egg Hunt at Loyal Heights 206-684-4093. To learn more, email Ronald.Brown@seattle.gov Learn more on the Loyal Heights website.
UW Botanic Gardens Junior Naturalist Volunteers
The UW Botanic Gardens applications for the Junior Naturalist program are now open!
Junior Naturalists are teens volunteering with the Arboretum Summer Camp for a two-week session. They are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about working with kids, playing outside, and gaining leadership skills. Students can earn up to 70 service hours, and will receive a letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the program. Please pick up an application in the BHS Counseling Center or contact UW Botanic Gardens at uwbgeduc@uw.edu if you have any questions or would like a link to an application.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Volunteers Needed
We are extremely excited about the start of a new school year and the endless opportunities that await your students.
We hope volunteering is an option they consider. Volunteering provides students with a tangible way to make a positive impact on their community. It also provides students with an opportunity to explore a career path or potential college major. We have many medical professionals at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health that started here as a high school volunteer. They need help with: Wayfinding/Greeting, Special Projects, Patient Care Activities and Lab Support Services. Please visit our Virginia Mason website for more information and details.
Ballard HS Library Service Learning Opportunities During the School Year
Students have earned Community Service Learning hours for:
- Shelving books, processing books, week books, fixing shelves, help clean the library, make book displays
- Computer maintenance
- Reading to 2nd grade students for Reading Buddies
- Creating online tutorials
- Making scrolling PowerPoint
- MakerSpace crafts, projects for lunchtime, organizing MakerSpace
- Create book posters on Adobespark
- Create Rubik’s Cube murals
- Read first chapters aloud for Youtube channel and Schoology theme Picture Books
- Become a Library Leader
- Create Book Collections with Ms. Chambers
Reach out to Ms Chambers at tschambers@seattleschools.org for specific details. Visit the BHS Service Learning page for school information and forms.
Fun With PALS
PALS Programs creates inclusive camp experiences for individuals with and without Down syndrome. Our volunteer- led programs change attitudes, transform lives, and inspire a world of belonging. Apply to participate today by visiting our PALS Program website or email support@palsprograms.org for more information. PALS Programs feature a 1:1 pairing model that partners individuals with Down syndrome with a peer (ages 15+) who does not have Down syndrome to experience a fun-filled, transformative week together. PALS is looking for volunteers now to help run its summer program. PALS could be a fun and meaningful way for students to earn up to 100 service hours.
Ballard Food Bank Needs Volunteers
The Ballard Food Bank needs volunteers for various duties at the bank itself and for helping out with deliveries. Volunteers are the heart of Ballard Food Bank Every month more than 135 volunteers donate hours of service. They sort food, stock shelves, and help clients shop.
The first step to becoming a Ballard Food Bank volunteer is to complete our volunteer application. At the same time, familiarize yourself with our volunteer operating policies which explain qualifications, safety and behavioral standards. You will be notified once your volunteer application has been approved. You will receive an email inviting you to volunteer orientation! Visit our Ballard Food Bank volunteer page for more information and resources.
Ballard NW Senior Center Volunteering
Seattle’s Senior Community meet friends, or attend classes, groups, trips and events. The center is located by the Ballard Locks. Ballard HS students can gain their mandatory 60 hours needed to graduate by volunteering for Community Service hours at the Ballard NW Senior Center.
Listed are Volunteer Opportunities for Community Services Hours: Events: Decorators/Artists, Musicians, Photographers, Servers, Kitchen prep (Food Handler’s Permit Required – $10.00 Online), Set-up/Breakdown/Clean-up. Computer Lab (Wed Evening Classes 6 – 7:30 p.m. and Data Entry (Daily) or Cell Phone/iPhone (Afternoon classes – 3 – 4 p.m.) Other: Computer Lab (Wed 6-7:30 p.m.), Data Entry (Daily), Cell Phone/iPhone (3-4 p.m.) Gardening (Daily), Raking leaves, Planting & Pulling weeds, Reception Desk (Daily), Answering phones, Directing new guests, Payments/Receipts. Contact: Beth Secor at elisabeths@soundgenerations.org or 206-297-0403
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lower Queen Anne Volunteer Opportunities
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lower Queen Anne has a couple of volunteer opportunities that we wanted to open up to students as Serving Learning opportunities:
- SPiN (St. Paul’s in the Neighborhood) SPiN is St. Paul’s Neighborhood mobile ministry. We gather on Sunday afternoons to “spin” around the neighborhood with our wagons and build relationships that foster healing by helping folks meet basic needs. We meet on Sundays around 12 p.m. to pack supplies and load up the wagons, and the walking team will head out shortly after. You can pack supplies, walk, or both depending on your comfort level.
- Nursery Do you have experience caring for children 5 and under? We are looking for volunteers to help staff our nursery on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Contact parishoffice@stpaulseattle.org to learn more.
United Indians of All Tribes
Website: unitedindians.org | We welcome all volunteers, even if this is their first time participating in the Native community! Becoming a volunteer is as simple as filling out our application and signing up for an opportunity. Some of our most anticipated opportunities are our annual events:
- Seafair Indian Days Powwow, Indigenous People’s Day, Native Life in the City Gala, Native Art Market
The best way to stay up to date on these opportunities, as well as other important news, is by signing up for our volunteer email list!
Other places to find Service Learning Opportunities
- Camp Fire– Teen Leadership Program
- City of Seattle – Volunteering and Participating
- EarthCorps
- EventBright – Volunteer events
- Phinney Neighborhood Association
- Seattle Tilth – Garden Volunteer Opportunities
- Seattle Aquarium – School Year & Summer
- The Service Board
- Student Conservation Association
- Teens in Public Service
- United Way of King County
- The Vera Project
- Seattle Parks & Recreation – Service Learning and Community Service for Teens
- Volunteer Match Seattle (Need To Create An Account)
Reminders
Students should only participate in an opportunity they feel is safe to them.
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Can’t Find What You Are Looking For?
Email me with tips on information you would like located here or better ways to support your searches on the Ballard HS website. Diane Taylor, BHS Website Editor at dmtaylor@seattleschools.org Thank you!