Enrichment Opportunities

The Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness.

The United States Congress established The Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals.

Each level involves setting goals in four program areas; Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. The program is open to all 14- to 24-year olds regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals.

PARTICIPANT TIMELINE

• Register and submit your one-time $25 registration fee
• Sign up for a Submittable account
• Set your goals
• Work toward your goals
• Receive your award
• Move to the next level

Start the process & learn more

St. Anne’s-Belfield alumni have successfully earned silver and gold medals. Please reach out to Mrs. Sohne-Johnston to learn more. Students should check their email for links to the program brochure and workbook. It can take 7 or more months to earn the Bronze Medal and 24 months or more to earn the Gold Medal.

It takes everyone working together to build community! Habitat for Humanity volunteers have varied skills, interests, and passions that contribute to our mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Join us by swinging a hammer, helping at the Store, walking alongside Habitat Homebuyers, and a host of other ways. Whether you are a student, retired, working a full-time job, or raising a family, we have opportunities for you to help in our mission!

Construction
Join us on the build site as an individual or with your team in a rewarding, fun environment --- no experience necessary (Youth Builds 16+; General Builds 18+).

Habitat Store
Help out with donation receiving and carryout, as a department specialist, cashier, furniture assembly specialist, or in a variety of other roles --- individuals and groups are welcome (shifts flexible based on your availability!) - (12+, youth 12 and 13 need to volunteer with a parent, guardian or older sibling)!

Office
Work in the Habitat office as a receptionist or help with administrative tasks to keep operations running smoothly

Youth & Special Events
Serve on the build site for a Youth Build Day or at one of our many special events. Too young to work on site? Bring lunch for volunteers and families on Saturday and tour the build site as part of Lunch Bunch.

Volunteer Teams
Consider joining one of our Volunteer Teams including: Midweek Crew, Women Build, Faith Builders, Habitat UVA, and Habitat Youth Leaders.

For more information or to complete a form: https://www.cvillehabitat.org/how-to-help/voluntee...

You can also call the Volunteer Coordinator at 434-293-9066 or email them directly at volunteer@cvillehabitat.org. The Volunteer Engagement department will be in touch to get you started and ensure you have a great experience!

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC) is dedicated to providing its diverse audience with unique educational experiences. Through guided tours, school partnerships, family programs, cultural celebrations and adult programs, the Center offers visitors multiple entry points to explore its mission.

JSAAHC interns participate in rewarding hands on experiences that allow them to directly impact programming; interact with other City Center Resident Partners and the community; and learn about Charlottesville history and the culture of African Diaspora peoples. Interns work directly with staff in the areas of: advancement, communications, curatorial, digital humanities and public programs.

Why Intern With Us?
JSAAHC offers internships to promising high school rising juniors, seniors, undergraduates, graduate students or career changers who are considering employment in the arts, history, education, nonprofit management and promotions and marketing. Through administrative and project-based activities, interns have the opportunity to research, conceptualize and implement, programs and initiatives that advance the Heritage Center’s mission.

You can find more information about the program and apply for the Marketing Internship or Development Intern: https://jeffschoolheritagecenter.org/internships/

Since 1973, Camp Holiday Trails has been deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our incredible community volunteers and partners. By joining this compassionate and dynamic team, you’ll not only enrich the lives of these exceptional children and teenagers but also find yourself on a rewarding journey filled with personal growth and heartwarming connections. Together, we can make Camp Magic. 

Each year, over 600 dedicated volunteers make our mission a reality - to create a community that empowers children and teens with medical needs, and their siblings to thrive.

1. Year-Round Volunteers
All ages and abilities are warmly welcomed for a day of volunteering, no matter the time of year! Whether you want to organize an office outing with a difference, you’re eager to share your unique talents with our Campers, or seek meaningful experiences for your student group or sports team, we have a place for you. Join our vibrant community and make a lasting impact while enjoying the rewards of giving back.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeg-e8vdCyw5e3vEi4f7J8EgT1SWs3ADZIXKNJW2S7DxB4eMw/viewform

2. Program Volunteers
Program Volunteers at Camp Holiday Trails are 15 years or older and have a unique chance to form meaningful connections with our Campers while contributing to vital aspects of summer camp. As a Program Volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of our Campers’ experience, taking on diverse tasks from painting rocks to line our trails and setting up tents with our Campers to assisting with morning activities and resetting the Dining Hall after each meal. 
 
Program Volunteers interested in fully immersing themselves in our camp environment by living in a cabin alongside campers and counselors must be 18 years or older or have previously volunteered at CHT. This hands-on experience fosters leadership development, enhances communication skills, and offers an unforgettable chance to positively impact the lives of our incredible campers. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOzAYcObzgBlH20kQaKQyv73pxKNF0x6Ey0obzbQQji229iA/viewform

3. Horse Volunteers
Join us this summer as a Horse Volunteer and become a vital part of summer camp. No prior horse experience is needed, and volunteers as young as 12 years old are welcome! As a Horse Volunteer, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to engage our campers in a safe, caring, and fun environment while helping with the care and wellbeing of our herd.  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOzAYcObzgBlH20kQaKQyv73pxKNF0x6Ey0obzbQQji229iA/viewform

For more information: https://campholidaytrails.org/volunteer/

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA offers engaging youth programming designed to inspire compassion and responsibility towards animals. 

Individual volunteer opportunities are available for those aged 14 and older,  allowing youth to contribute to our mission while gaining valuable experience. Through these programs, we aim to cultivate a sense of empathy and stewardship in the next generation of animal advocates.

Students aged 14 to 17 should complete this application is for volunteer opportunities with the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Once you complete the form, click the Submit button at the bottom:  https://www.volgistics.com/appform/2107662385

Students who would like to volunteer with the Jefferson Albemarle Regional Library should consider applying to be a JMRL Teen Volunteer. Students should complete this application and select which type of volunteer position interests them. 

Note: 13 is the minimum age to volunteer independently. Teen Advisory Boards (TAB) and Volunteer Teen Zine Editor positions are open to ages 11-18. 

You may download the application, print it, and bring it to any JMRL library branch. 
Teen Volunteer Application: https://jmrl.org/teen-volunteers

Adults 18 and older should fill out the JMRL Adult Volunteer Application.
Adult Volunteer Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfC04jNzYRJ7C92jsI2MfOs9HUsWORr2TfkUDHlRWSWnZ2cFw/viewform

If you’re contacted to volunteer, you will be given a paper contract to be signed by you and your parent or guardian and returned to library staff. 

About the New York Times 2025-26 Contest

Our annual Contest Calendar is probably the single most powerful thing we publish all year. Since 2010, hundreds of thousands of teenagers around the globe have participated in our challenges, writing narratives, editorials, profiles, poetry and reviews, and creating videos, podcasts, illustrations, cartoons, photo essays and more.

Teachers tell us they value the contests because they invite students to take the skills they learn in school and use them to create for an authentic audience. Students tell us they like the variety of ways they can express themselves — and, of course, the confidence boost when they are recognized for their efforts.

Consider participating in one or more of eight challenges that invite you to engage, experiment, reflect and create — via writing, photography, audio, video and more.

1. 'My List' ReviewContest | Jan. 14 -Feb. 25, 2026
Choose any collection of three to five works of art or culture to group in some way, and
then tell us why we should, or shouldn't check them out.

2. Open Letter Contest | Feb. 25-April 8, 2026
Write a letter to a specific person or group that persuades them to make a change on an
issue that matters to you.

3. PodcastContest | April 8-May 13, 2026
Make an original podcast of no more than five minutes that informs or entertains listeners.

4. Summer Reading Contest | June 5-Aug. 14, 2026
Every week for 10 weeks we ask, "What got your attention in The Times recently?" Answer
in writing or video.

5. Weekly Current Events Conversation | All School Year
Respond to our daily writing prompts. Each week we publish a selection of student
comments.

For more information, past winners, rules, guidelines and guides: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/learning/our-2025-26-student-contest-calendar.html?searchResultPosition=1

Some additional information:
1. We usually announce finalists about two months after a contest has closed and winners get their work published on The Learning Network. 
2. Students’ entries must be original and fundamentally their own.
3. Anyone who submits to our contests retains the copyright for the work, even after we publish it.
4. Students can enter as many contests as they want, but they can submit only one entry per contest.
5. Entries for most contests must be accompanied by a statement describing your process.
6. All of our contests are open to students around the world ages 13 to 19 who are in middle school or high school. 

Are you ready to grow as a leader, explore American values, and walk in the footsteps of President Ronald Reagan? This summer, the Great American Leadership Program offers an unforgettable opportunity for students to develop critical leadership skills, build confidence, and prepare to make a lasting impact in their communities.

The Great American Leadership Program for High School Students is a transformative, hands-on experience designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders. Set against the stunning backdrop of Malibu, California, this immersive program invites students to develop leadership skills, explore American values, and walk in the footsteps of President Ronald Reagan.

Why Attend?
*Sharpen Leadership Skills: Students will participate in hands-on challenges that build confidence and critical thinking.
*Engage with Top Conservative Leaders: Exclusive small-group discussions with influential leaders provide unique insights and inspiration.
*VIP Access to History: Behind-the-scenes access to the Reagan Library & Museum brings history to life.
*Interactive Teamwork Simulation: Students will test their decision-making skills in a one-of-a-kind leadership simulation.
*Build Lifelong Connections: They’ll network with like-minded peers who share a passion for faith, freedom, and leadership.

Program Dates:
Session 1: June 14th - June 17th
Session 2: June 28th - July 1st
Session 3: July 13th - July 16th
Register today for this transformative experience. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!

REGISTER NOW: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/education/great-american-leadership-program

Ready to Lead?

Program Cost: $2,499 per student (all-inclusive)
Registration includes lodging, meals, program materials, and all activities throughout the session.

Scholarship Opportunity:
We believe every aspiring leader deserves a chance to grow. If the program fee is a barrier, students can apply for a scholarship! A limited number of full scholarships are available for students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.

Submit a 90-second to 2-minute video answering:
What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time with us?
What inspires you about President Reagan's leadership?

Locations
Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA and Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, CA

APPLY NOW: https://reaganeducation.matrixlms.com/visitor_catalog_class/show/2277471
 

Albemarle County Parks & Recreation is looking for lifeguards this summer.

Positions start at $16.50 an hour.

Apply today using the QR code on the attached flyer or by visiting albemarle.org/HR. Click on the "apply for a job" options and then click "current openings."

They are offering an employment bonus of up to $500.

Deadline to apply: July 1, 2026

2026 Theme | Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us
A CREATIVE CHALLENGE FOR TEENS WORLDWIDE

Your Story, Our Ocean Prompt

The 2026 Ocean Awareness Contest – Your Story, Our Ocean – encourages you to explore the many ways our ocean sustains, protects, and inspires us. We invite you to think about your personal connection to the ocean – whether you’re coastal or landlocked – through the value it brings to your life. The benefits of the ocean are widespread and multifaceted, from food production to climate regulation to artistic inspiration. Go through the sub-themes and explore the topics that resonate with you. Share how the ocean has shaped your story through art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia. How does the ocean sustain, protect, and inspire you?

The Contest deadline is June 8, 2026

A NEW CHALLENGE
The ocean has always been central to Bow Seat’s mission. Since the first Ocean Awareness Contest in 2012, we’ve asked students to explore ocean-related issues like marine species conservation, plastic pollution, and climate change. As our organization continues to evolve in new and exciting ways, we wanted to return to the topic that has captivated, moved, and activated tens of thousands of students who have participated in the Contest: the ocean! What value does the ocean bring to all of our lives? We’ve learned about the challenges that threaten the ocean, but why is it so important that we protect it?

We challenge you to dive into this year’s theme by exploring how the ocean sustains, protects, and inspires you and your community. We hope that these prompts serve as jumping-off points, guiding you toward further exploration! Be sure to check out our past winners and explore our broader Resource Studio for ideas and guidance.

Who May Enter
Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate in the Ocean Awareness Contest. Enter the division based on your age at the time of entry:

Junior Division: Age 11-14
Senior Division: Age 15-18
Students can participate as an individual or as a club, class, or group of any size. All students must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.) Students who have started college or university are not eligible to participate in the Contest.

For more information: https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/contest-overview/