The greater Collin County area has no shortage of opportunities for teens to volunteer. Whether they are hoping to boost their college applications with service hours, or looking for wholesome ways to give back and contribute to the community, there are many options spanning all interests. Online applications and letters of recommendation are often required.
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Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Volunteers ages 14 and older can participate as garden guides at the Dallas Arboretum. Other options include working the information booths or overseeing the children’s garden. There is also a teen leadership council for those interested in an ongoing commitment to volunteer and in leading other teen volunteers.
Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity Youth Programs
The Blue Hat Junior program is geared for ages 14 – 18 where students volunteer at the Dallas Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Participants will learn retail operations and customer service skills while helping support the mission of providing local affordable housing. A commitment of six volunteer hours per month is required.
Teens ages 15 and older can also volunteer on-site at a house build. These volunteers help construct, gather materials, pass tools, and pass out food.
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Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
Help preserve the natural environment of the Heard Museum by leading guided tours, caring for animal ambassadors, or helping with classes, field trips, and special events. Teens 15 and younger need parent supervision.
Heritage Farmstead Museum
Love nature, history, and farm life? Teens ages 12 and up can volunteer for special events at Heritage Farmstead Museum, such as Homeschool Days and its spring festival. Teens under the age of 17 need an adult volunteer working the same shift.
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North Texas Food Bank
Teens help at the distribution center of North Texas Food Bank in Plano by sorting or packing meals. There is also an option to help in the small scale garden. Ages 13 – 15 can volunteer with a chaperone. Ages 16 – 17 only require parental consent. There are many shifts Tuesday through Saturday.
Operation Kindness Humane Society
Located in Carrollton, Operation Kindness offers two options for teen volunteers. Both include tasks such as cleaning, animal enrichment, and kennel care. Family Day is for families to spend a Saturday volunteering together, while Junior Volunteer Night is an evening for ages 13 – 18. A program fee is required, and teens under 16 require parent supervision for Junior Night.
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Sci-Tech Discovery Center
The Sci-Tech Highschool Volunteer Program is for highschoolers who love all things STEM. Volunteers assist with organizing and facilitating various STEM programs. Online sign up is simple with many shifts available.
Texas Health Junior Volunteer Program
The Junior Volunteer program at various Texas Health locations around the metroplex is a summer program for high school student ages 16 and older. Students must commit to 48 volunteer hours — one eight-hour shift per week of the six-week program. Most activities include clerical work, while learning about hospital operations and meeting top health professionals.
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
The YMCA has volunteer opportunities across the county for teens, such as helping coach youth sports, organizing food drives, setting up special events, and supporting YMCA camps. Many projects require volunteers to be 16 years old, but there are some opportunities for 14 year olds. Use the Y’s online platform to apply, sign-in, and track volunteer hours.
