May 15, 2026
By Constantina Moreno
Staff Writer
High school should prepare students for more than tests and graded assignments. Through volunteering, students develop leadership skills, bolster their ties to the community, discover their callings and strengthen their college applications. For all of these reasons, LHS should make volunteering a graduation requirement.
First, community service enhances students’ abilities to accomplish specific tasks and solve problems. By assisting the elderly or those in hospitals, helping with school programs, tutoring peers or working at events, students interact with a range of people and strengthen local connections.
Next, schools that mandate service demonstrate care for their communities. In New Jersey, Bergen County Technological High School in Teterboro requires 60 hours by graduation, Fort Lee High School requires 50 hours by graduation and Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield mandates that students complete 30 hours each year.
Additionally, participating in volunteer activities allows students to explore new interests and passions. Community service creates a meaningful way to spend free time while providing a sense of accomplishment. It exposes students to careers and professions they might not have considered, helping them make more informed decisions about their futures.
Volunteer experiences can also build communication skills, which are essential for college and job interviews as well as networking later in life.
Finally, completing these hours improves future opportunities, as colleges and employers give preference to applicants who volunteer. This is because volunteering demonstrates initiative, reliability, a strong work ethic and time management. Volunteer experiences can also build communication skills, which are essential for college and job interviews as well as networking later in life.
Mandatory volunteering gives students the motivation to take on opportunities that help them grow academically, personally and socially. These experiences provide lessons that are sure to last a lifetime.
