• Volunteering

      It may be hard to find a job, but the next best thing is volunteering. Volunteers gain valuable experience, meet people of all ages and backgrounds, and make a difference by working on projects that make a difference. If you're under 18, some volunteer organizations require a parent-signed waiver form, and some also require that you attend with an adult. 

      Don’t volunteer to simply boost your resume or chances of getting into college. Do your research and find something that speaks to you. Try out different careers and interest by volunteering with different organizations. If you do want to know how volunteering can help you in the college application process, offers great advice about managing your schedule and finding meaningful volunteer work.

      Do you have an opportunity that you'd like us to post? Please email Amy Potter, College Coordinator, at apotter@pps.net. 

       A national website with branches in Portland and other cities, for matching volunteers with the cause of their choice.

       Looking for community service hours or a way to volunteer in the community? Hands On Greater Portland is a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in the Portland area that range from one-time to long-term commitments. You can search for possibilities that interest you, and sign up right online.

      Each year SOLVE provides resources to communities throughout Oregon, focusing on litter cleanup, tree planting, and invasive removal projects. There are SOLVE projects in every county in Oregon. SOLVE creates an average of 35,000 volunteer opportunities across the state annually.

      Volunteer Opportunities in Healthcare:

       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

    Volunteer with Search and Rescue (and explore careers in medicine, emergency response, wilderness survival and law enforcement)

    Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSO SAR) is a volunteer organization whose objective is to serve the community by searching for and rescuing lost or injured persons in wilderness or urban areas, assist with evacuations during emergencies, assisting law enforcement with evidence searches, and educating the public. MCSO SAR supports young adults by fostering a sense of community service, developing self-confidence, self-reliance and leadership skills.

    Volunteer to Explore Careers in construction and veterinary medicine