Volunteering might sound like something you do to check off a school requirement or boost a college application. But, what if I told you it’s actually one of the best ways for young people to level up in life? Yup, volunteering isn’t just about doing good for others—it’s about doing good for you, too.

Here’s a fun dive into how volunteering can transform young lives, backed by some cool data!

Boosting Confidence and Life Skills

Volunteering is like a real-world playground where young people can try new things, challenge themselves, and grow in ways they never expected. A study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that youth who volunteer are more likely to develop leadership skills, become more responsible, and increase their self-esteem.

In fact, nearly 90% of teens who volunteer say that helping others makes them feel better about themselves. And who doesn’t love a confidence boost? It’s like leveling up your character in a video game, except this time, the skills are for real.

Building Social Connections

In a world where everything seems to happen online, volunteering brings people together in real life. Whether it’s cleaning up a beach, organizing a fundraiser, or mentoring younger kids, volunteering lets youth connect with people from different backgrounds and make new friends.

Research by DoSomething.org showed that 76% of teens who volunteer say they made new friends through their service. Plus, working in teams teaches collaboration, communication, and empathy—all skills that come in handy, whether you're on a group project at school or navigating a tough Fortnite squad.

Supercharging Mental Health

We all know that being a teenager can be stressful—school, friends, social media, and figuring out the future. Volunteering helps youth take a break from all that by focusing on something bigger than themselves. It turns out that helping others releases "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and oxytocin, which lower stress and anxiety.

According to a study by UnitedHealth Group, 93% of people who volunteer say it improves their mood. So, volunteering is basically a free happiness booster—no subscription needed!

Enhancing Academic and Career Prospects

Here’s where volunteering really pays off (literally). A survey by The Corporation for National and Community Service found that young people who volunteer are 27% more likely to land a job than those who don’t. Why? Because employers love to see skills like initiative, problem-solving, and teamwork on resumes—and guess what? You build all of those through volunteering.

Volunteering also opens doors for scholarships, internships, and networking opportunities. You’re not just doing something good for the community—you’re also investing in your future.

Creating a Lifelong Habit of Giving Back

One of the coolest things about starting to volunteer as a young person is that it often sticks for life. Volunteering teaches youth the value of giving back, which can turn into a lifelong passion. Research from the National Youth Leadership Council shows that young people who start volunteering early are more likely to continue doing so into adulthood, creating a ripple effect of kindness and impact for years to come.

Ready to Level Up?

If you’re a young person or know one, encourage them to jump into volunteering. It’s a win-win: you get to help the community, make new friends, gain confidence, and even boost your future prospects. Whether it’s at a local animal shelter, a food bank, or mentoring younger kids, there’s a way for everyone to give back in a way that feels right for them.

So, what are you waiting for? Volunteering is the ultimate power-up that makes you feel like a superhero—capable of changing the world, one good deed at a time.

Now go out there and start leveling up!