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How to Write a Great Community Service Essay

College Admissions , Extracurriculars

Are you applying to a college or a scholarship that requires a community service essay? Do you know how to write an essay that will impress readers and clearly show the impact your work had on yourself and others?

Read on to learn step-by-step instructions for writing a great community service essay that will help you stand out and be memorable.

What Is a Community Service Essay? Why Do You Need One?

A community service essay is an essay that describes the volunteer work you did and the impact it had on you and your community. Community service essays can vary widely depending on specific requirements listed in the application, but, in general, they describe the work you did, why you found the work important, and how it benefited people around you.

Community service essays are typically needed for two reasons:

#1: To Apply to College

• Some colleges require students to write community service essays as part of their application or to be eligible for certain scholarships.
• You may also choose to highlight your community service work in your personal statement.

#2: To Apply for Scholarships

• Some scholarships are specifically awarded to students with exceptional community service experiences, and many use community service essays to help choose scholarship recipients.
• Green Mountain College offers one of the most famous of these scholarships. Their "Make a Difference Scholarship" offers full tuition, room, and board to students who have demonstrated a significant, positive impact through their community service

Getting Started With Your Essay

In the following sections, I'll go over each step of how to plan and write your essay. I'll also include sample excerpts for you to look through so you can get a better idea of what readers are looking for when they review your essay.

Step 1: Know the Essay Requirements

Before your start writing a single word, you should be familiar with the essay prompt. Each college or scholarship will have different requirements for their essay, so make sure you read these carefully and understand them.

Specific things to pay attention to include:

• Length requirement
• Application deadline
• The main purpose or focus of the essay
• If the essay should follow a specific structure

Below are three real community service essay prompts. Read through them and notice how much they vary in terms of length, detail, and what information the writer should include.

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

"Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words."

From the Laura W. Bush Traveling Scholarship:

"Essay (up to 500 words, double spaced) explaining your interest in being considered for the award and how your proposed project reflects or is related to both UNESCO's mandate and U.S. interests in promoting peace by sharing advances in education, science, culture, and communications."

From the LULAC National Scholarship Fund:

"Please type or print an essay of 300 words (maximum) on how your academic studies will contribute to your personal & professional goals. In addition, please discuss any community service or extracurricular activities you have been involved in that relate to your goals."

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas

Even after you understand what the essay should be about, it can still be difficult to begin writing. Answer the following questions to help brainstorm essay ideas. You may be able to incorporate your answers into your essay.

• What community service activity that you've participated in has meant the most to you?
• What is your favorite memory from performing community service?
• Why did you decide to begin community service?
• What made you decide to volunteer where you did?
• How has your community service changed you?
• How has your community service helped others?
• How has your community service affected your plans for the future?

You don't need to answer all the questions, but if you find you have a lot of ideas for one of two of them, those may be things you want to include in your essay.

Writing Your Essay

How you structure your essay will depend on the requirements of the scholarship or school you are applying to. You may give an overview of all the work you did as a volunteer, or highlight a particularly memorable experience. You may focus on your personal growth or how your community benefited.

Regardless of the specific structure requested, follow the guidelines below to make sure your community service essay is memorable and clearly shows the impact of your work.

Samples of mediocre and excellent essays are included below to give you a better idea of how you should draft your own essay.

Step 1: Hook Your Reader In

You want the person reading your essay to be interested, so your first sentence should hook them in and entice them to read more. A good way to do this is to start in the middle of the action. Your first sentence could describe you helping build a house, releasing a rescued animal back to the wild, watching a student you tutored read a book on their own, or something else that quickly gets the reader interested. This will help set your essay apart and make it more memorable.

Compare these two opening sentences:

"I have volunteered at the Wishbone Pet Shelter for three years."

"The moment I saw the starving, mud-splattered puppy brought into the shelter with its tail between its legs, I knew I'd do whatever I could to save it."

The first sentence is a very general, bland statement. The majority of community service essays probably begin a lot like it, but it gives the reader little information and does nothing to draw them in. On the other hand, the second sentence begins immediately with action and helps persuade the reader to keep reading so they can learn what happened to the dog.

Step 2: Discuss the Work You Did

Once you've hooked your reader in with your first sentence, tell them about your community service experiences. State where you work, when you began working, how much time you've spent there, and what your main duties include. This will help the reader quickly put the rest of the essay in context and understand the basics of your community service work.

Not including basic details about your community service could leave your reader confused.

Step 3: Include Specific Details

It's the details of your community service that make your experience unique and memorable, so go into the specifics of what you did.

For example, don't just say you volunteered at a nursing home; talk about reading Mrs. Johnson her favorite book, watching Mr. Scott win at bingo, and seeing the residents play games with their grandchildren at the family day you organized. Try to include specific activities, moments, and people in your essay. Having details like these let the readers really understand what work you did and how it differs from other volunteer experiences.

Compare these two passages:

"For my volunteer work, I tutored children at a local elementary school. I helped them improve their math skills and become more confident students."

"As a volunteer at York Elementary School, I worked one-on-one with second and third graders who struggled with their math skills, particularly addition, subtraction, and fractions. As part of my work, I would create practice problems and quizzes and try to connect math to the students' interests. One of my favorite memories was when Sara, a student I had been working with for several weeks, told me that she enjoyed the math problems I had created about a girl buying and selling horses so much that she asked to help me create math problems for other students."

The first passage only gives basic information about the work done by the volunteer; there is very little detail included, and no evidence is given to support her claims. How did she help students improve their math skills? How did she know they were becoming more confident?

The second passage is much more detailed. It recounts a specific story and explains more fully what kind of work the volunteer did, as well as a specific instance of a student becoming more confident with her math skills. Providing more detail in your essay helps support your claims as well as make your essay more memorable and unique.

Step 4: Show Your Personality

It would be very hard to get a scholarship or place at a school if none of your readers felt like they knew much about you after finishing your essay, so make sure that your essay shows your personality. The way to do this is to state your personal strengths, then provide examples to support your claims. Take some time to think about which parts of your personality you would like your essay to highlight, then write about specific examples to show this.

• If you want to show that you're a motivated leader, describe a time when you organized an event or supervised other volunteers.
• If you want to show your teamwork skills, write about a time you helped a group of people work together better.
• If you want to show that you're a compassionate animal lover, write about taking care of neglected shelter animals and helping each of them find homes.

Step 5: State What You Accomplished

After you have described your community service and given specific examples of your work, you want to begin to wrap your essay up by stating your accomplishments. What was the impact of your community service? Did you build a house for a family to move into? Help students improve their reading skills? Clean up a local park? Make sure the impact of your work is clear; don't be worried about bragging here.

If you can include specific numbers, that will also strengthen your essay. Saying "I delivered meals to 24 home-bound senior citizens" is a stronger example than just saying "I delivered meals to lots of senior citizens."

Also be sure to explain why your work matters. Why is what you did important? Did it provide more parks for kids to play in? Help students get better grades? Give people medical care who would otherwise not have gotten it? This is an important part of your essay, so make sure to go into enough detail that your readers will know exactly what you accomplished and how it helped your community.

"My biggest accomplishment during my community service was helping to organize a family event at the retirement home. The children and grandchildren of many residents attended, and they all enjoyed playing games and watching movies together."

"The community service accomplishment that I'm most proud of is the work I did to help organize the First Annual Family Fun Day at the retirement home. My job was to design and organize fun activities that senior citizens and their younger relatives could enjoy. The event lasted eight hours and included ten different games, two performances, and a movie screening with popcorn. Almost 200 residents and family members attended throughout the day. This event was important because it provided an opportunity for senior citizens to connect with their family members in a way they aren't often able to. It also made the retirement home seem more fun and enjoyable to children, and we have seen an increase in the number of kids coming to visit their grandparents since the event."

The second passage is stronger for a variety of reasons. First, it goes into much more detail about the work the volunteer did. The first passage only states that she helped "organize a family event." That really doesn't tell readers much about her work or what her responsibilities were. The second passage is much clearer; her job was to "design and organize fun activities."

The second passage also explains the event in more depth. A family day can be many things; remember that your readers are likely not familiar with what you're talking about, so details help them get a clearer picture.

Lastly, the second passage makes the importance of the event clear: it helped residents connect with younger family members, and it helped retirement homes seem less intimidating to children, so now some residents see their grand kids more often.

Step 6: Discuss What You Learned

One of the final things to include in your essay should be the impact that your community service had on you. You can discuss skills you learned, such as carpentry, public speaking, animal care, or another skill.

You can also talk about how you changed personally. Are you more patient now? More understanding of others? Do you have a better idea of the type of career you want? Go into depth about this, but be honest. Don't say your community service changed your life if it didn't because trite statements won't impress readers.

In order to support your statements, provide more examples. If you say you're more patient now, how do you know this? Do you get less frustrated while playing with your younger siblings? Are you more willing to help group partners who are struggling with their part of the work? You've probably noticed by now that including specific examples and details is one of the best ways to create a strong and believable essay .

"As a result of my community service, I learned a lot about building houses and became a more mature person."

"As a result of my community service, I gained hands-on experience in construction. I learned how to read blueprints, use a hammer and nails, and begin constructing the foundation of a two-bedroom house. Working on the house could be challenging at times, but it taught me to appreciate the value of hard work and be more willing to pitch in when I see someone needs help. My dad has just started building a shed in our backyard, and I offered to help him with it because I know from my community service how much work it is. I also appreciate my own house more, and I know how lucky I am to have a roof over my head."

The second passage is more impressive and memorable because it describes the skills the writer learned in more detail and recounts a specific story that supports her claim that her community service changed her and made her more helpful.

Step 7: Finish Strong

Just as you started your essay in a way that would grab readers' attention, you want to finish your essay on a strong note as well. A good way to end your essay is to state again the impact your work had on you, your community, or both. Reiterate how you changed as a result of your community service, why you found the work important, or how it helped others.

Compare these two concluding statements:

"In conclusion, I learned a lot from my community service at my local museum, and I hope to keep volunteering and learning more about history."

"To conclude, volunteering at my city's American History Museum has been a great experience. By leading tours and participating in special events, I became better at public speaking and am now more comfortable starting conversations with people. In return, I was able to get more community members interested in history and our local museum. My interest in history has deepened, and I look forward to studying the subject in college and hopefully continuing my volunteer work at my university's own museum."

The second passage takes each point made in the first passage and expands upon it. In a few sentences, the second passage is able to clearly convey what work the volunteer did, how she changed, and how her volunteer work benefited her community.

The author of the second passage also ends her essay discussing her future and how she'd like to continue her community service, which is a good way to wrap things up because it shows your readers that you are committed to community service for the long-term.

What's Next?

Are you applying to a community service scholarship or thinking about it? We have a complete list of all the community service scholarships available to help get your search started!

Do you need a community service letter as well? We have a step-by-step guide that will tell you how to get a great reference letter from your community service supervisor.

Thinking about doing community service abroad? Before you sign up, read our guide on some of the hazards of international volunteer trips and how to know if it's the right choice for you.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Through your college applications process, you’re likely to come across the term “community service” many times. In fact, you may be asked to write an essay about it. This post will cover the specifics of a community service essay and how to go about writing one, including what to cover and common mistakes to avoid. 

What is a Community Service Essay?

You may encounter the community service essay as you’re writing your supplemental essays for college. These are school-specific prompts that only go to the college that requests them, unlike the personal statement , which goes to every school you apply to. Not all schools require community service essays, but several do. It’s also a common requirement for scholarship applications, especially if it’s a school-specific merit scholarship. 

The community service essay is an essay that describes the initiatives you have taken outside of the classroom to benefit your community. In a 2018 survey of 264 admissions leaders across the US, 58% said that community service is a tie-breaker between students who are otherwise equally qualified. The community service essay offers you the opportunity to shine light on the work you have done to make an impact on the world and people around you, and is an additional way to help you stand out among other applicants. 

Approaching the Community Service Essay 

Understand the essay requirements  .

As with any essay, it’s important to first understand what is expected of your essay. For a start, elements to pay attention to include: 

• Length requirements
• Focus or subject of the essay prompt 
• Organization of the essay 

Although all community service essays ultimately have the same purpose of having you describe your local service activities, they can come with different types of prompts. Below are three sample prompts. Note the differences in topic specificity, length requirements, and breadth of the prompt. 

From the CGCS – Bernard Harris Scholarship Program: 

Please describe a meaningful volunteer or community service experience, including what you learned from participating.

From the University of California Application :

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (350 words).

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words.

Brainstorming for your community service essay 

Once you have an understanding of what is required of the specific you are to write, the next step is to brainstorm ideas for a specific topic. If you have various community-engaged service experiences under your belt, consider the following before you finalize your decision. 

The best topics:

Are substantial in length and scope. It’s better to cover a long-term commitment than a one-off afternoon at the food pantry or animal shelter. 

Are transformative or inspiring. Although community service is “others”-oriented, colleges are looking to learn more about you. The ideal community service essay topic should be an experience that changed or challenged your perspective, and was ultimately fulfilling. 

Illustrate personal qualities or passions that you want to highlight. Given the specific prompt, and taking the rest of your application into consideration, which personal interests do you want to highlight? Which activity illuminates the personal quality that you want to bring attention to? 

These are all elements to consider before you begin writing your essay. 

Tips for Writing Your Community Service Essay 

1. include anecdotes.

Anecdotes are a great way to begin your essay, not only as a way to grab your reader’s attention, but by launching right into the experience of your service activity. You can start with a line about a particularly busy afternoon at the orphanage, or a morning cleaning up the streets after a storm, or the sense of accomplishment you felt when you watched a dog under your care at the animal shelter get adopted. 

2. Show, don’t tell 

We’re sure you’ve heard this axiom of general writing before, but it applies to college essays just as much as with any other piece of writing. Opt for evocative examples over plain explaining whenever possible. Take this sentence: “There was a lot of food waste at our school cafeteria.” It’s not nearly as powerful as this description: “I peered into the tall, gray trash cans to inspect the mountain of Styrofoam trays and discarded food. There were countless pizza crusts, globs of green beans, and unopened cartons of milk.” 

Anyone could write the first sentence, and it’s not a unique experience. In the second description, we’re shown the scene of the writer’s lunchroom. We get a peek into their perspective and life, which makes the writing more vivid and relatable. Aim to bring your reader into your world as much as possible.

3. Share your responsibilities and accomplishments.

The more tangible your community service activities feel to the reader, the more powerful your essay will be. Concretize your work by stating the basic details of what kind of work you did and what your duties involved, where it was based, when you began working, and the amount of time you spent working. 

Be sure to quantify your work and accomplishments when possible; it’s better to say your fundraiser yielded 125 books than “a large number” of books. It’s important to also elaborate on why the work you did matters. Why was it important? Did the books you collected or purchased after the fundraiser expand the library of the local orphanage that they already had, or did it offer the children easy access to books that wasn’t available previously? Be specific and detailed.  

4. Highlight what you learned and how you’ll use those lessons moving forward. 

Towards the end of your essay, you’ll want to share how you benefited from the community service work you did. This is an important part of the essay, because it shows how you are able to distill your experiences to applicable lessons in your own life. 

Think of this section in two potential parts: skills you learned, and personal development. Did you gain any hard skills, such as public speaking, poster design, or funds management? Then think about how you developed as an individual. Are you more empathetic or patient now? 

Things to Avoid in Your Community Service Essay 

1. don’t list out everything that happened..

You want to keep your essay well-structured and concise. This isn’t a résumé, or a play-by-play of the entire experience. Stick to the most telling details and anecdotes from your experience. 

2. Avoid using a pretentious or privileged tone.

Humility goes a long way, and entitlement can be smelled from afar. The purpose of this essay is not to paint yourself as a savior of any kind, but rather to show what’s important to you in your non-academic life, and how you approach solving real-world and interpersonal problems. 

3. Avoid clichés.

It may be tempting to quote famous people, but doing so can easily seem like a shortcut, plus it shows little of who you are. Try also to steer clear of trite and vague life lesson lines such as “I learned that people can be happy with so little,” or “I learned the importance of giving back.” Not only do they carry a tone of privilege, they are also sweeping general conclusions and don’t convey anything specific of what you learned. 

Community service is only a part of the college application process, which can be daunting and confusing. CollegeVine will help you navigate each step of the process, from building a college list, to calculating your chances at each school using our chancing engine. Create your free account and get started now !

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Life Experiences — Volunteering

Volunteering Essays

Volunteering essay topics.

Volunteering encompasses the act of giving one’s time and skills to help others without financial gain. It is driven by a desire to contribute to the community, address social issues, and promote personal growth. Volunteering can be seen across various fields, such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and social services. The theme of volunteering explores the motivations behind volunteer work, the impact it has on both volunteers and recipients, and its broader societal implications.

Volunteering offers a rich field of exploration for essay topics, providing numerous angles and insights into its impact on individuals and communities. Here are some compelling volunteering essay topics to consider:

Explore how volunteering fosters personal development, including enhanced empathy, improved communication skills, and increased self-esteem.

Discuss how volunteering can build a professional network, develop new skills, and enhance a resume, thereby opening up career opportunities.

Analyze the positive effects of volunteering on mental well-being, such as reduced stress, a sense of purpose, and decreased feelings of loneliness.

Compare and contrast volunteering practices and attitudes in various cultures, highlighting the global importance and diverse approaches to volunteerism.

Examine the difficulties volunteers may encounter, including time management, emotional burnout, and dealing with challenging situations or environments.

Explore how volunteering strengthens communities by fostering social cohesion, improving local services, and building a sense of collective responsibility.

Discuss the impact of volunteering on young people, including the development of leadership skills, civic responsibility, and positive social behaviors.

Analyze the benefits and challenges of corporate volunteering initiatives, and how they contribute to corporate social responsibility and employee engagement.

Examine the critical role of volunteers in disaster relief and emergency situations, and the impact of their efforts on affected communities.

Share personal stories of volunteering, highlighting transformative experiences, lessons learned, and the lasting impact on both the volunteer and those they helped.

Explore how digital platforms and technology have changed the landscape of volunteering, making it more accessible and widespread.

Discuss the role of volunteers in environmental projects, such as conservation efforts, sustainability initiatives, and community clean-ups.

By choosing one of these volunteering essay topics, you can delve into the multifaceted world of volunteerism, uncovering its profound impacts and the invaluable contributions volunteers make to society.

How to Start an Essay About Volunteering

Starting an essay about volunteering can be engaging and informative by using one of the following approaches:

Begin with a brief story about a personal volunteering experience that had a significant impact on you. This helps to draw readers in and makes the essay more relatable.

Example: "As I stood in the bustling soup kitchen, ladling hot soup into bowls, I realized that this simple act of kindness was not just filling stomachs but also nourishing souls, including my own."

Use a relevant quote about volunteering or helping others to set the tone and context for your essay.

Example: "'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.' – Mahatma Gandhi. This quote perfectly encapsulates my journey and passion for volunteering."

Start with a compelling statistic or fact about the impact of volunteering to grab the reader’s attention.

Example: "Did you know that over 77 million Americans volunteered their time and skills in 2018 alone? This staggering number highlights the profound impact of volunteering on communities nationwide."

Pose a thought-provoking question that encourages readers to think about the importance of volunteering.

Example: "What motivates a person to give their time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return? For me, the answer lies in the transformative power of volunteering."

Paint a vivid picture of a volunteering setting to immerse the reader in your narrative.

Example: "The community garden was alive with the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the cheerful chatter of volunteers. Amidst the rows of fresh produce, I found a sense of purpose and connection."

By choosing one of these approaches, you can create an engaging and compelling introduction that sets the stage for your essay about volunteering.

Choosing a Topic for a Volunteering Essay

When selecting a topic for a volunteering essay, consider the following steps:

• Identify Your Interests: Reflect on your own volunteering experiences or areas of interest to find a topic that resonates with you.
• Consider Broader Themes: Think about themes such as community impact, personal growth, social justice, and global issues.
• Choose the Type of Essay: Decide on the type of essay you wish to write. This could be analytical, narrative, descriptive, argumentative, or comparative.
• Research and Relevance: Ensure that there is enough research material available on the chosen topic. The topic should also be relevant and engaging to your audience.
• Personal Connection: Select a topic that you have a personal connection with or a strong interest in, as this will make your essay more authentic and compelling.

Categories & Types of Volunteering Essay Topics

• Personal Experience
• Analytical: Analyze how volunteering has impacted your personal growth and development.
• Narrative: Write a narrative about a memorable volunteering experience and what it taught you.
• Descriptive: Describe a day in the life of a volunteer at a specific organization.
• Comparative: Compare your expectations of volunteering with the reality you experienced.
• Argumentative: Argue the importance of volunteering for personal development.

Community Impact

• Analytical: Analyze the impact of volunteer programs on local communities.
• Narrative: Share a story about how a volunteer initiative transformed a community.
• Descriptive: Describe the role of volunteers in community development projects.
• Comparative: Compare the effectiveness of different volunteer programs in your community.
• Argumentative: Argue the necessity of volunteer work in addressing community issues.

Social Issues

• Analytical: Analyze how volunteering addresses social issues such as homelessness or hunger.
• Narrative: Write a narrative about your experience volunteering with a social justice organization.
• Descriptive: Describe the challenges and rewards of volunteering in a social issue context.
• Comparative: Compare volunteer efforts in different social issues, such as education vs. healthcare.
• Argumentative: Argue the role of volunteering in creating social change.

Global Volunteering

• Analytical: Analyze the impact of international volunteering on global communities.
• Narrative: Share a narrative about your experience volunteering abroad.
• Descriptive: Describe the cultural exchange that occurs through global volunteering.
• Comparative: Compare the experiences of volunteering locally vs. internationally.
• Argumentative: Argue the benefits and challenges of international volunteering.

Volunteering and Personal Development

• Analytical: Analyze how volunteering contributes to developing skills and competencies.
• Narrative: Write a narrative about how volunteering has influenced your career choices.
• Descriptive: Describe the personal benefits of volunteering, such as increased empathy and leadership skills.
• Comparative: Compare the personal growth of volunteers in different fields (e.g., healthcare vs. education).
• Argumentative: Argue the importance of including volunteering in personal and professional development plans.

Volunteer Organizations

• Analytical: Analyze the strategies of successful volunteer organizations.
• Narrative: Narrate the history and impact of a well-known volunteer organization.
• Descriptive: Describe the recruitment and training process for volunteers in a specific organization.
• Comparative: Compare the effectiveness of different volunteer organizations in achieving their missions.
• Argumentative: Argue the importance of supporting volunteer organizations through funding and policy.

Motivations for Volunteering

• Analytical: Analyze the different motivations behind why people volunteer.
• Narrative: Write a narrative about what inspired you to start volunteering.
• Descriptive: Describe the psychological and emotional motivations for volunteering.
• Comparative: Compare the motivations of volunteers across different age groups.
• Argumentative: Argue whether altruism or self-interest is the primary motivation for volunteering.

Choosing a topic for a volunteering essay involves reflecting on personal experiences, considering broader themes, and selecting an essay type that best fits your narrative. Whether you explore personal experiences, community impact, social issues, global volunteering, personal development, volunteer organizations, or motivations for volunteering, it is essential to provide a thoughtful and engaging examination of the multifaceted nature of volunteer work. By carefully selecting and researching your topic, you can create a compelling essay that highlights the importance and impact of volunteering in various contexts.

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Volunteering refers to the selfless and voluntary act of offering one's time, skills, or resources for the benefit of others or a particular cause, without expecting financial compensation or personal gain. It is driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of individuals, communities, or organizations, and to make a positive impact on society.

The history of volunteering dates back to ancient civilizations where communities supported each other in times of need. Religious charity work in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and medieval European guilds and organizations provided assistance to the needy. In the 19th century, figures like Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton pioneered organized volunteer efforts in healthcare and disaster relief. The World Wars increased volunteerism, supporting soldiers and civilians. The 20th century saw the rise of structured volunteer organizations like the Red Cross. Today, online platforms connect volunteers globally, making volunteering accessible and widespread.

Volunteering in the United States plays a vital role in supporting communities, addressing social issues, and fostering civic engagement. Individuals dedicate their time and skills to serve others, impacting sectors like education, healthcare, environmental conservation, disaster relief, and social services. Volunteers mentor youth, assist with food distribution, participate in cleanups, support shelters, and provide medical aid. Volunteering benefits individuals by developing new skills and experiences, while communities gain from addressing unmet needs, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting positive change.

• Community Service
• Skill-Based Volunteering
• Environmental Volunteering
• Crisis and Disaster Relief
• International Volunteering
• Virtual Volunteering
• Mother Teresa: Known for her selfless dedication, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity and won the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi, the influential leader of India's independence movement, advocated for volunteerism and "Seva" (selfless service).
• Martin Luther King Jr.: A civil rights leader, he inspired volunteerism to address racial inequality and social justice.
• Jane Addams: Co-founded Hull House in Chicago, providing education, healthcare, and social services to immigrants and the poor.
• Personal Growth: Volunteering fosters personal development, boosting self-confidence and enhancing communication and problem-solving skills.
• Social Connections: Volunteering connects individuals with diverse groups, fostering social interactions, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
• Sense of Purpose and Satisfaction: Volunteering offers fulfillment by contributing to causes, providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
• Community Engagement: Volunteers strengthen communities, addressing local needs and promoting social cohesion and unity.
• Health and Well-being: Volunteering improves physical and mental health, reducing stress, loneliness, and depression.
• According to the World Giving Index 2021, 31% of people worldwide reported volunteering their time, with the highest rates found in Indonesia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
• In the United States, approximately 25% of young people aged 16 to 24 engage in volunteer work, contributing to community development, education, and environmental initiatives.
• Studies have found a correlation between volunteering and increased longevity, as well as higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

The topic of volunteering is important because it highlights the selfless contributions individuals make to society, addressing critical social issues and supporting communities in need. Volunteering fosters civic engagement, personal growth, and skill development. Exploring volunteering essay topics can inspire others to get involved, promote social cohesion, and highlight the positive impact volunteers have on both local and global scales.

1. Brudney, J. L., & Meijs, L. C. (Eds.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of volunteering, giving, and philanthropy. Oxford University Press. 2. Clary, E. G., Snyder, M., Ridge, R. D., Copeland, J., Stukas, A. A., Haugen, J., & Miene, P. (1998). Understanding and assessing the motivations of volunteers: A functional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(6), 1516-1530. 3. Handy, F., Cnaan, R. A., Brudney, J. L., Ascoli, U., & Meijs, L. C. (Eds.). (2010). Public participation in volunteerism: A comparative analysis. Routledge. 4. Holmes, K., & Jones, E. (Eds.). (2017). The Routledge handbook of volunteering. Routledge. 5. Howlett, S., & Dickinson, H. (2009). Volunteer decision-making: What prompts a person to volunteer? Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 38(2), 266-288. 6. Hustinx, L., Cnaan, R. A., & Handy, F. (2010). Navigating theories of volunteering: A hybrid map for a complex phenomenon. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 40(4), 410-434. 7. McNamara, T. K. (2008). The sociology of volunteering. Springer Science & Business Media. 8. Smith, D. H., Stebbins, R. A., & Dover, M. A. (2006). A dictionary of nonprofit terms and concepts. Indiana University Press. 9. Smith, K. R., Holmes, K., & Mervyn, K. (2010). Volunteering and society in the 21st century. Palgrave Macmillan. 10. Wilson, J. (2012). Volunteering. Annual Review of Sociology, 38, 519-539.

Relevant topics

• Law of Life
• Why I Want To Be A Nurse
• Personal Growth and Development
• Professionalism
• Life Changing Experience
• Childhood Memories
• Overcoming Obstacles

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Community Essay Examples

When crafting your college applications, writing strong essays is essential. Through your essays, you demonstrate who you are–from your values and passions to your lived experiences. Indeed the personal statement is the most common college essay. However, you will also likely have to write some supplemental essays as part of your college application requirements. One of the most common supplemental essay types is the community essay. This essay type is also known as a describe the community you live in essay, cultural diversity essay, or community service essay.

In this article, we will introduce several community essay examples. Most importantly, we’ll describe why they are considered college essays that worked. Specifically, we will share community essay examples from the two schools:

• Princeton University
• Columbia University

By studying these admissions essay samples, you can see what makes these college community essay examples strong and apply those same principles to your writing.

Reviewing Types of College Essays

Each school has different supplemental essay prompts for their college application requirements. However, there are a few types of essays that are most common. By becoming familiar with these essay types, you can begin to brainstorm and strategize what you will write about early on. You might start as early as sophomore or junior year in high school. 

Now, let’s take a look at the most common supplementary essay questions.

Common Supplementary Essay Questions

1. why school.

A Why School essay is, as it sounds, about why you wish to attend a specific institution. The key to answering this prompt well is to be specific. You should identify examples of what you like about a school. Avoid general comments such as “it is a top school” or “it is diverse.” Share specific programs, professors, teaching approaches, cultural elements, or unique opportunities such as research or study abroad.

2. Why Major

The Why Major essay asks you to share specific reasons behind your choice of major and how it relates to your future goals. A strong response to a Why Major essay will highlight your specific motivations. But it will also connect those motivations to a school’s unique opportunities. For example, perhaps you wish to be a pre-law history major, and the school you are applying to offers law-related internships. By highlighting these specific connections, you draw a compelling connection between yourself and the school.

3. Extracurricular Activity

Many schools ask you to describe an extracurricular activity that is particularly meaningful for you. When responding to this question, do not feel limited to only talk about the most popular extracurricular activities for college applications, like clubs or sports. Consider all of the activities you do outside of school. Then choose the one that is most meaningful to you. Also, give specific examples of how you grew or made an impact within your extracurricular activities for college.

4. Community Essay

The Community Essay can have slightly different angles to it. But, the uniting factor is that the school wants to know how you engage with others around you. Some types of community essays are a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay. In recent years, the cultural diversity essay has been a more common college application requirement.

Coming up, we will share a bit more about how to break down community essay prompts. We’ll also take a look at college essays that worked. By reading these examples, you’ll know how to approach these common prompts.

How to identify a community essay?

While community essays can have slightly different focuses, they all share the goal of learning about where you come from. A supplemental essay prompt might ask you to share more about your background via a group you are part of. This is likely a community essay. Indeed, a community essay can also be called a describe the community you live in essay, or a cultural diversity essay. Other college community essay examples focus on how you will contribute to a college campus. Finally, in a describe a community you belong to essay example, you will see that students highlight any community that is meaningful to them.

You may be wondering why so many colleges have community essays as a college application requirement. For one, many colleges use a holistic admissions process. This means they care about all aspects of who you are, not simply your grades and test scores. How you engage with your communities shows them your character and values. For example, a describe the community you live in essay example about visiting church every Sunday demonstrates your commitment to religion. Similarly, a cultural diversity essay helps colleges learn more about your cultural background. 

Additionally, colleges want to learn more about how you will engage with their on-campus community. You’ll notice this important factor in the college community essay examples we will share. To some degree, how you have engaged with previous communities can be an indicator of how you will show up on their campus.

How is a community essay different?

As we mentioned, community essays can have slightly different focuses. Some prompts ask you to write a describe the community you live in essay. These types of community essays are more like cultural diversity essays. 

Keep in mind that the word “community” can have many different meanings. A community can be your school, church, or neighborhood. It could also stem from your interests. For example, your dance or robotics team can form your community.

Some community essay prompts want to know specifically how you help strengthen your communities. These types of essays are considered a community service essay. Another term for community service is “civic engagement.” An example of civic engagement might be getting people in your cultural community to sign up to vote. Or, another could be helping with church fundraisers to ensure that your local community has the resources it needs to thrive. 

In sum, the keywords you might see in a community essay prompt are “civic engagement,” “community service,” “serve your community,” “contribute to your community,” or “diversity.” No matter how it’s phrased, your essay should demonstrate the impact you’ve had on your community–whichever one you choose to highlight. 

What are some examples of community essays?

In this article, we will share several community essay examples. Specifically, we will highlight Princeton essay examples and Columbia essays examples. Let’s look at these two colleges’ essay prompts. 

The first Princeton supplemental essay prompt is a part of our college community essay examples and our cultural diversity essay examples. Here is the prompt:

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #1: Cultural Diversity Essay and College Community Essay Examples

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. as a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. what lessons have you learned in life thus far what will your classmates learn from you in short, how has your lived experience shaped you  (please respond in 500 words or fewer.).

In this cultural diversity essay prompt, Princeton wants to know about your lived experiences. By this, they refer to any experiences that have shaped you profoundly. A lived experience can be a specific event, such as experiencing a car crash or winning an award. Or, it could be a set of experiences that resulted from life circumstances, such as being a first-generation college student or having taken a gap year .

This essay prompt will also lead to college community essay examples. Indeed Princeton wants to read about your lived experiences and how they impacted you. But, they also want to know how you will bring those lessons to the Princeton community, should you enroll . Also, note that this prompt mentions challenging ideas and beliefs via conversation. As you respond, look for ways to highlight how you have engaged in fruitful dialogue and how you would do so at Princeton.

To answer this prompt effectively, share specific examples. Additionally, be sure to answer all parts of the prompt. 

Princeton has a second supplemental essay prompt that focuses on how you engage with your community outside of the classroom. The prompt is as follows: 

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #2: Civic Engagement

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer) .

To answer this prompt well, you must highlight specific examples of how you have positively impacted your community. As a starting point, consider which of your communities you have most engaged with. How have you done so and what results did you have?

The Columbia Community Essay Prompt is another of our college community essay examples. It is a cultural diversity essay, as well. Here is the prompt: 

Columbia Community Essay Prompt: A Cultural Diversity Essay

A hallmark of the columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer).

While this prompt is similar to Princeton’s, it also references perspectives and viewpoints. In doing so, the prompt opens you up to share opinions or values that are important to you. You might consider highlighting values in your family or community that you either hold close or disagree with. 

Note that Columbia also highlights the word “collaborative” in this prompt. This indicates that your cultural diversity essay should also show how you collaborate with others.

Which schools require a community essay?

In addition to Princeton and Columbia, many other schools have community essays as part of their college application requirements. Here are some other examples of community essay prompts:

In this UNC-Chapel Hill prompt , you must describe a specific example of how you made an impact on a community. The prompt reads:

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill: A Community Service Essay Prompt

Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community. this could be your current community or another community you have engaged. (250-word limit).

In responding, be sure to highlight what community you are referencing, the specific impact you made, and what personal quality helped you do so.

This prompt from UMichigan is a describe a community you belong to essay example, as well as a cultural diversity essay:

The University of Michigan: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (required for all applicants. 1,500 character limit.).

In addition to describing the community, make sure to share how you engage with it and what it has taught you. Remember that community is a broad term. So, for this prompt you can respond with any type of community in mind, whether physical or cultural. In contrast to the describe the community you live in essay, you do not have to be geographically close to the community you describe here.

Duke University: Cultural Diversity Essay Prompts

Duke offers students five supplemental prompts to choose from, of which they can reply to two. Of these supplemental prompts, four are examples of cultural diversity essays:

1. We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to maintaining Duke as a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

2. we believe there is benefit in sharing or questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with what are you agreeing or disagreeing about, 3. duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community., 4. we recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity..

Each of these prompts is a slightly different type of cultural diversity essay, from sharing a range of opinions to not fitting in within a community. Choose the essay prompts that most resonate with you. And share specific examples that bring your cultural diversity essay to life.

In this Yale University supplemental prompt , you must choose a community that you feel connected to and describe why it is meaningful. Here’s the prompt:

Yale University: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. why is this community meaningful to you you may define community however you like. (400-word limit).

When responding, be sure to highlight what you have learned or how you have grown from this community. In contrast to a describe the community you live in essay, this essay can be about any community, near or far, that resonates with you. Indeed, the prompt gives you plenty of leeway in what you consider community. 

When responding to the UC system prompts , you must choose four of the eight available personal insight questions. One of the PIQs is a community service essay prompt:

The University of California Personal Insight Question: A Community Service Prompt

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place, things to consider: think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. you can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community, why were you inspired to act what did you learn from your effort how did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community.

Similar to many of the other prompts, when answering this question, be sure to identify the specific impact you made on your community.

Now that we have looked at various examples of community essay prompts, we can explore community essay examples. Reading essay examples is a great way to get inspired to write your own college essays. 

In each of the highlighted college essays that worked, note what the author did expertly. Rather than trying to copy their responses, topics, or ideas, consider how you can apply those same skills to your writing. 

Princeton Community Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Princeton essay examples that respond to their two community essay prompts: a cultural diversity essay and a community service essay. 

The first of our Princeton essay examples responds to the following Princeton prompt: 

Princeton Essay Examples #1: Cultural Diversity Essay

Now, let’s take a look at a student’s response to this prompt focusing on lived experiences. 

Princeton Essay Examples #1 Student Response

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town of 1.8 square miles called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values.

In the face of distinct cultures and customs, we forge a single identity as Highland Parkers and come together to organize large community events. The most prevalent example is our highly touted annual Memorial Day parade, where we join together with neighboring New Brunswick to invite military service members, family members of our fallen war heroes, our legislative and congressional representatives, and our townspeople. Moreover, as our high school band’s vice president, I help organize and lead our ensemble into these performances with a positive and uplifting spirit. We communicate with the town government and arrange the performances every year to perform at the parade. The parade is an example of many of our large community events that serve as a unifying force for our diverse community, reminding us that we are fundamentally connected as one cohesive group, despite our differences. 

As someone deeply interested in historical and political matters, I am well aware of the consequences that arise from dictatorial protocols that limit the freedom of speech and diversity of voices. From my experiences debating in Model UN conferences, I have grown accustomed to being able to present viewpoints from both sides of the argument, and I have learned to incorporate and respect the viewpoints of all sides of an issue before making up my own mind. For example, in a Model Congress debate, I found myself advocating for the interests of a state heavily reliant on traditional fossil fuels. While researching and articulating that perspective, I gained insights into the economic challenges faced by the states that are reliant on these resources. This experience not only broadened my understanding of the complexities surrounding environmental policies but also highlighted the necessity of considering diverse viewpoints for comprehensive decision-making. 

My background and experiences have fostered in me a profound appreciation for the value of diversity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge. At Princeton University, I will seek to contribute as an active participant in the community, actively provide unique perspectives and insights, and respect and learn from others’ perspectives even if there are disagreements. I wish to partake in student government, which has like-minded peers who want to make a substantive impact, and also participate in service programs like the Civic Leadership Council. Also, I hope to increase my impact from the leadership positions I currently hold on the Red Cross club and teen mayoral advisory council using the platforms in Princeton. I look forward to making a positive impact on both the campus and the broader community. 

Why This Cultural Diversity Essay Worked

In the first of our Princeton essay examples, the student successfully responds to all parts of the Princeton prompt. They begin by describing their community and sharing some details about its makeup. Indeed, the first sentence hooks the reader–it is unique and compelling. 

Then, the student illustrates how they specifically contribute to their community each year by leading the high school band in the Memorial Day parade. They also highlight how their experience in Model UN shaped their appreciation for diverse perspectives. In sharing these two examples, the student demonstrates their leadership and open-minded thinking. Finally, the student ends by highlighting how they would use these values to contribute to Princeton’s community– by partaking in student government and Civic Leadership Council, among other activities.

In the second of our Princeton essay examples, the student responds to the second Princeton prompt which is: 

Princeton Essay Examples #2: A Community Service Essay

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer).

And, here is a student’s response:

Princeton Essay Examples #2 Student Response

My first experience with the Red Cross was when my older sister was desperately trying to recruit people to join the club during the harsh COVID year. Things were so bad for the club that I, as a freshman, ran for the position of treasurer unopposed. My first blood drive experience was marked by masks, social distancing, and low turnout among blood donors. Even many donors who showed up ended up being turned away due to health-related issues. Needless to say, it was not the greatest first high school service experience, and I admittedly started to doubt if the time I spent on this front was worth it. 

However, as we returned in person, things quickly turned around. As the vice president of the club, I helped recruit more than twice the club membership compared to the previous year, and our blood drives started to regain momentum; our blood targets have been exceeded every time since. Organizing and participating in blood drives has become a passion. It’s fulfilling, especially when I personally donate, to know that I’m actively serving the community and saving lives. I have realized that, despite my relatively young age, I am capable of making an impact through public service. I plan to continue my commitment to the Red Cross’s adult program and participate in service programs like Community Action at Princeton to serve the Princeton community and abroad.

Why This Essay Worked

In this admissions essay sample, we learn about a student’s volunteerism with the Red Cross as an example of civic engagement. This essay works for several reasons. First, it provides a specific example of the student’s civic engagement and demonstrates their impact by becoming vice president and increasing membership. Secondly, the essay provides an honest take on the struggles of this service experience, which lends credibility and authenticity to the story. 

The student also demonstrates an important lesson learned. This aligns with Princeton’s values– that students can have a positive impact on society. 

Columbia University Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Columbia essays examples that landed students admission to the prestigious Ivy League university. The first of our Columbia essays examples is written by the same student who responded to the first Princeton prompt above. Here’s a reminder of the Columbia prompt: 

As you read the example below, notice how the student edited their Princeton cultural diversity essay to meet the prompt and lower word count for Columbia:

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values. 

HP has convinced me that we can build institutions that are strong and united while embracing a wide variety of voices and perspectives. It has shaped my core values of diversity and inclusion. An English teacher used to encourage me to talk in front of the class by saying even if I believed my thoughts were “dumb,” I could only enrich the conversation.

At Columbia University, I will seek to continue my contributions as an active participant in the community and look to actively provide unique perspectives and insights. Actively engaging in student groups such as ColumbiaVotes will be a big part of my experience. 

The Columbia essay prompt only allows for a 150-word response. This could pose a challenge for many students. What makes this essay among the Columbia essays examples that worked is how succinctly it completely answers the prompt. 

The response begins by hooking the reader with a relevant detail of the student’s community. Then, the student shares how this community shaped them by influencing their values of diversity and inclusion. Finally, the student shares how they would engage with a Columbia organization that also supports diverse viewpoints. Though short and sweet, this response clearly answers all parts of the Columbia prompt. 

More Community Essay Examples

The final of our community essay examples is a community service essay. Let’s look at how student framed their service experience:

“I don’t believe that’s the best way to do this.” 

The moment I thought this the first time I volunteered at my local soup kitchen was one that resulted in a drastic change. When I was informed of the way the food was being served to the public, the initial excitement that I had felt diminished. We were told that the plates would be served before anyone arrived and would remain in an area where people could pick it up and seat themselves. I felt that this method was impersonal and inconsiderate, and disappointment washed over me. 

I turned to the people that were around me and discovered that they shared the same disapproval I felt. When we agreed that a change must be made, we exchanged ideas on how to present this to the woman in charge of the program. I suggested that we should serve each person one-by-one, and only give them the food if they wanted to/could eat it. They suggested multiple ideas, including that we should offer to seat them, hold their plates for them, continue to check in on them, and dispose of their plates once they finish their meal. We believed that this way would genuinely make them feel better and would allow us to get to know some of them personally. A simple smile and conversation could be enough to improve their day. 

From this day on, the way in which the local soup kitchen serves our community has changed dramatically. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up for what you believe in. In a group setting, it is likely that there will be others who share the same end goal and are willing to contribute different ideas to achieve the goal. These different perspectives can allow you to see situations in ways that you previously hadn’t, and can result in better outcomes. It also showed me the importance of leadership.

If I had never spoken up about the way the food was being served, a change might have never happened. When you work in the group, the end goal may not be for the benefit of anyone in the group, but for others who are in need. This experience also showed me the beauty in doing good for others and making others happy, even through small things such as serving them food to their liking.

In this community service essay, the student shares their experience volunteering at a soup kitchen. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is not necessarily unique in the list of extracurricular activities for college applications. However, the student highlights several aspects of the experience that make it meaningful to them. 

To start, the student shares their experience challenging the way that food was served. The student suggested that food be served directly to attendees in order to better connect with community members. Through this experience, the student learns about leadership and working with others to achieve a common goal. This specific example demonstrates the student’s collaborative values and compassionate way of thinking, both of which are great attributes to highlight in college applications.

How To Write A Community Essay

As we saw in the community essay examples, there are several hallmarks of college essays that worked. To write a good community essay, whether it be a community service essay, a cultural diversity essay, or a describe the community you live in essay, you must start by understanding the prompt. Once you have carefully read through the prompt, brainstorm examples from your own life that relate to it. Sharing specific details and examples will make your response stronger and more unique. 

Additionally, showcase how you grew throughout your response. In each of the community essay examples we shared, the student discussed a skill or perspective they developed through their experiences. Finally, connect your response to the school you are applying to. If you are writing a cultural diversity essay, for example, demonstrate how you would contribute to the cultural diversity at that school, both inside the classroom and in your extracurricular activities for college.  

Topics To Avoid In Your Community Essay

When writing community essays, there is technically no topic that you cannot discuss. However, how you discuss certain topics is important. 

For example, in a community service essay, it is important to not come off as a savior of a community with less privilege than yourself. Similarly, if you are writing a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay, you will want to avoid stereotyping any community. Speaking from your own personal experience as a member of a community is fine. However, generalizing your experience to the community at large can come across as insensitive to that community’s diversity. To avoid these pitfalls, have a variety of people read your community essay examples and look for these dynamics.

Additional Tips for Community Essays

We’ve highlighted the strengths in the community essay examples above. Now we will now share some more tips for making your community essays a strong part of your college applications:

Tips for Writing Community Essays

1. research the college.

When reviewing our college community essay examples, you will notice that students highlight specific clubs, programs, or groups on campus to which they will contribute. If you are specific, you demonstrate real interest in the school which adds strength to your college applications.

2. Tell a story

In each of the college essays that worked, students gave details that told a full story . This story incorporated where they come from and what they learned through their experiences. Rather than telling us who they were, the students used this particular story to show us.

As the college admissions landscape gets ever more competitive, students are sometimes tempted to read other students’ essays and copy ideas. Or, more recently, they may even want to use artificial intelligence to write their essays. However, AI and other students’ experiences won’t show admissions who you really are. Don’t worry about whether you have the best extracurricular activities for college or the most unique cultural diversity essay. Instead, talk about the experiences that truly matter to you. By being honest, you are more likely to come across as convincing and interesting. In each of our college community essay examples, students presented a true and well-thought-out response to the prompts.

Other CollegeAdvisor Essay Resources to Explore 

As you work on your college applications, you might be in search of additional resources. CollegeAdvisor has a wealth of webinars and articles that can help you navigate writing your essays. Here are a few:

More CollegeAdvisor Resources for Essays

1. short essay examples.

Some of the cultural diversity essays you may write will be short, meaning that they are 150 words or less. This article with short essay examples can help you understand how to write short and sweet cultural diversity essays.

2. Cultural Diversity Essay Examples

In this article , you will find additional examples of cultural diversity essays. Many community essays are also cultural diversity essays. As such, becoming familiar with how students write about their cultures is useful.

3. The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental Essays

In this webinar , CollegeAdvisor experts provide a rundown of how to write strong supplemental essays for your college applications. In particular, this webinar will help you decode essay prompts and make sure you answer each prompt fully.

4. Editing Your Supplemental Essays

Once you have read up on college community essay examples and written your cultural diversity essays, you might need help editing them. This webinar will provide tips for how to edit your supplemental essays effectively.

Community Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

Completing your college applications can be a daunting task, especially when you must write multiple essays. For some students, writing cultural diversity essays is challenging. These prompts ask you to dig deep and reflect upon your life influences.

In this guide to community essays, we provided an overview of what a community essay is and how to respond to the different types of community essay prompts. We shared cultural diversity essay examples and describe the community you live in essay examples. We also described what makes these essays strong and how they meet college application requirements. 

In short, the key to writing stand-out essays is to be authentic and thorough in your responses. If you need additional help writing your cultural diversity essay, seek out the support of a trusted resource like CollegeAdvisor. We are here to help you craft the best college applications that could gain you admissions to the school of your dreams!

This article was written by Courtney Ng. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Empowering Through Service: Top 10 Volunteer Work Essay Examples!

Table of Contents

Looking for examples of volunteer work essays? This article provides insightful examples and guidelines to help you write an impactful essay on your volunteer experiences, highlighting the skills gained, personal growth, and the positive impact made on others. Explore inspiring stories and learn how to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your dedication to community service and leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers or scholarship committees.

Volunteer work has become an integral part of society, with individuals dedicating their time and effort to various causes. From helping the less fortunate to contributing to environmental conservation, volunteer work encompasses a wide range of activities that make a positive impact on our communities. In this essay, we will explore some compelling examples of volunteer work, shedding light on the incredible difference that volunteers can make in the lives of others.

Introduction

Volunteer work is a selfless act of giving one’s time and skills to help others in need. It not only benefits the community but also provides personal growth and satisfaction. Writing an essay about volunteer work allows individuals to reflect on their experiences and share their passion for making a difference. This article will explore various examples of volunteer work and how they contribute to society.

Environmental Conservation

Many individuals feel strongly about environmental issues and dedicate their time to volunteer for causes related to conservation. They may participate in tree planting activities, clean-up projects, or wildlife protection initiatives. By volunteering for environmental organizations, individuals contribute to maintaining ecological balance and preserving natural resources for future generations.

Supporting the Homeless Community

The issue of homelessness affects numerous communities globally. Volunteer work targeting the homeless often involves providing shelter, food, and clothing to those in need. Volunteers may work in shelters, soup kitchens, or outreach programs, offering essential support and a sense of hope to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Educational Initiatives

Education is a key to unlocking opportunities and improving lives. Many volunteers dedicate their time to educational initiatives, such as tutoring programs or after-school activities for underprivileged children. By providing additional support and resources, volunteers contribute to bridging educational gaps and empowering young minds.

Medical and Healthcare Support

Volunteers in the medical field can make a significant impact on individuals’ lives by providing healthcare services in underserved communities. They may assist in clinics, hospitals, or participate in medical missions to remote areas. Through their efforts, volunteers improve access to healthcare and promote overall well-being.

Disaster Relief Efforts

In times of natural disasters, volunteers play a crucial role in providing immediate assistance and support. They may help with search and rescue operations, distribute relief supplies, or offer emotional support to affected individuals. Volunteer work during disasters demonstrates solidarity and compassion in times of crisis.

Animal Welfare

Animal lovers often volunteer their time to help protect and care for animals in need. This may involve working at animal shelters, participating in wildlife conservation projects, or advocating for animal rights. Through their efforts, volunteers contribute to creating a safer and healthier environment for animals.

Senior Citizen Support

The elderly often require companionship and assistance with daily activities. Volunteers working with senior citizens provide emotional support, engage in social activities, and help with tasks like grocery shopping or home maintenance. By volunteering, individuals ensure that seniors feel valued and cared for within their communities.

Community Development

Volunteer work focused on community development aims to enhance the overall quality of life for residents. This can involve organizing events, improving infrastructure, or offering skills training to empower individuals. Volunteers contribute to building stronger communities by fostering unity and addressing local needs.

International Aid and Development

Volunteers involved in international aid and development projects travel to different countries to assist communities in need. This can include building schools, providing clean water solutions, or teaching sustainable farming practices. Through their efforts, volunteers contribute to poverty alleviation and long-term development.

Volunteer work encompasses a vast array of areas where individuals can make a positive impact. Whether it be through environmental conservation, supporting the homeless, or contributing to educational initiatives, volunteers play a crucial role in building stronger and more compassionate communities. By dedicating their time and skills, volunteers inspire others and create a ripple effect of change that extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries. Start your volunteer journey today and experience the fulfillment of making a difference!

Introduction to Volunteer Work

Volunteer work involves actively participating in an organization or community to make a positive impact without receiving financial compensation. Through volunteer work, individuals can contribute their skills, time, and resources to support causes they are passionate about and address community needs. This essay will explore the various examples of volunteer work, highlighting its benefits and the positive outcomes it brings.

Helping the Homeless

Volunteering at a homeless shelter provides assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in the form of food, shelter, and support services. By dedicating time to serve meals, organize clothing drives, or provide mentorship, volunteers can make a difference in the lives of those in need and help break the cycle of homelessness. This kind of volunteer work not only provides resources but also promotes empathy and understanding within the community.

Engaging in volunteer work related to environmental conservation includes activities such as organizing beach cleanups, planting trees, or advocating for sustainable practices. Through these efforts, volunteers can protect natural habitats, reduce pollution, and raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. Environmental volunteer work plays a crucial role in addressing global issues such as climate change and ensuring the sustainability of our planet for future generations.

Assisting in Educational Programs

Volunteering in educational programs allows individuals to support students in their academic journeys. This can involve tutoring, mentoring, or even organizing extracurricular activities to enhance students’ learning experiences. By sharing knowledge and providing guidance, volunteers help to bridge educational gaps and empower students to reach their full potential.

Supporting Healthcare Initiatives

Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics, offers opportunities to assist patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Tasks may include providing emotional support, delivering meals, or assisting with administrative duties. Through their volunteer work, individuals contribute to improving the quality of patient care and making healthcare more accessible.

Working with Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their missions, making this type of volunteer work diverse and versatile. Opportunities can range from assisting with fundraising events to participating in community outreach programs and awareness campaigns. By lending their skills and expertise, volunteers help nonprofit organizations achieve their goals and create positive change in society.

Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering abroad offers individuals the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures while making a meaningful impact. From participating in community development projects in disadvantaged regions to supporting educational initiatives in underprivileged communities, volunteers contribute to sustainable development on a global scale. This type of volunteer work fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes personal growth.

During times of natural disasters or emergencies, volunteer work plays a crucial role in providing immediate assistance and support. Volunteers can join relief organizations and assist in tasks such as distributing food and supplies, providing shelter, or offering emotional support to affected individuals. Through their efforts, volunteers help rebuild communities and provide hope during challenging times.

Overall, volunteer work offers countless opportunities to contribute to society, support causes, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s helping the homeless, conserving the environment, assisting in educational programs, supporting healthcare initiatives, working with nonprofit organizations, volunteering abroad, or participating in disaster relief efforts, each form of volunteer work brings its own unique benefits and outcomes. By actively engaging in volunteer work, individuals not only contribute to the betterment of society but also experience personal growth, empathy, and a sense of fulfillment.

In today’s society, volunteer work plays a crucial role in bringing about positive change and making a significant impact on the lives of others. Whether it is dedicating time to a local community organization or participating in international relief efforts, volunteering allows individuals to contribute their skills and resources to causes they are passionate about. In this essay, we will explore some examples of volunteer work and highlight the importance of this selfless act in creating a better world.

1. Local Community Initiatives:

• Volunteering at a homeless shelter, food bank, or soup kitchen can provide vital assistance to those in need within our own communities.
• Participating in local clean-up campaigns helps improve the environment and fosters a sense of pride and unity among community members.
• Mentoring programs offer guidance and support to vulnerable youth, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

2. Education and Literacy:

• Tutoring underprivileged children or adults in subjects such as math, reading, or computer skills can greatly enhance their educational prospects.
• Assisting in after-school programs or extracurricular activities provides students with additional learning opportunities and encourages their personal development.
• Organizing book drives or establishing libraries in underserved areas promotes literacy and access to knowledge.

3. Healthcare and Humanitarian Efforts:

• Volunteering at hospitals or nursing homes offers comfort and companionship to patients, particularly the elderly or those facing challenging medical conditions.
• Participating in medical mission trips allows healthcare professionals to provide essential medical services to underserved populations around the world.
• Raising funds for medical research or supporting organizations that provide aid during natural disasters or humanitarian crises can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected.

4. Environmental Conservation:

• Engaging in tree planting initiatives or joining environmental advocacy groups helps protect and restore ecosystems, combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
• Volunteering for beach clean-ups or participating in recycling programs contributes to the preservation of our natural resources and promotes sustainable practices.
• Supporting wildlife conservation projects or volunteering at animal shelters helps safeguard the welfare of endangered species and promotes responsible pet ownership.

In conclusion, volunteer work encompasses a wide range of opportunities that enable individuals to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on various causes. By actively participating in volunteer activities, individuals can create lasting change, promote social justice, and foster a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. It is through these selfless acts that we can collectively build a better world for everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog and read our article on examples of volunteer work. We hope that you have found the information provided useful and insightful. Volunteer work is a truly rewarding experience that not only benefits those in need but also enriches the lives of the volunteers themselves. In this essay, we have discussed three inspiring examples of volunteer work that showcase the positive impact it can have on both individuals and communities.

Firstly, we explored the story of Sarah, a young college student who dedicated her time and skills to volunteering at a local animal shelter. Through her commitment and compassion, she not only helped provide care for abandoned animals but also contributed to finding them loving forever homes. Sarah’s selflessness and dedication serve as an inspiration for others to consider how they too can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Next, we delved into the remarkable work of Michael, a retired teacher who decided to utilize his expertise in education by volunteering at a local literacy program. By assisting adults in improving their reading and writing skills, Michael empowered them to pursue new opportunities and achieve personal growth. His story highlights the transformative power of volunteer work and demonstrates how individuals can use their unique talents to create positive change in their communities.

Lastly, we shared the story of Maria, a healthcare professional who embarked on a medical mission to a remote village in a developing country. Through her efforts, she provided much-needed medical care and education to the underserved population, improving their overall health and well-being. Maria’s incredible journey showcases the importance of volunteer work in addressing global health disparities and emphasizes the role that individuals from various professions can play in making a lasting impact.

We hope that these examples have inspired you to consider engaging in volunteer work or to continue your existing volunteer efforts. By giving back to your community, you have the opportunity to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it is through helping animals, teaching, or providing healthcare, every act of volunteerism matters. So, let us join hands and work together to build a better world through our collective efforts as volunteers.

Thank you once again for visiting our blog and we encourage you to explore other articles on our site that delve further into the wonderful world of volunteer work. Together, let us strive to make a meaningful impact and spread kindness wherever we go.

Here are some common questions that people ask about examples of volunteer work essays:

• What are some examples of volunteer work that I can include in my essay?

When writing an essay about volunteer work, it’s important to choose examples that showcase your commitment, skills, and impact. Some examples you can consider including are:

• Tutoring children in underserved communities
• Volunteering at a local animal shelter
• Assisting with disaster relief efforts
• Working at a food bank or soup kitchen
• Participating in environmental clean-up projects
• Mentoring at-risk youth
• How can I demonstrate the significance of my volunteer work in my essay?

To highlight the significance of your volunteer work in your essay, you can:

• Describe the positive impact your volunteer work has had on individuals or communities
• Share any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve taken on during your volunteer experiences
• Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them
• Explain how your volunteer work aligns with your personal values and long-term goals
• Include any recognition or awards you’ve received for your volunteer efforts
• Can I discuss volunteer work that I did outside of my local community?

Absolutely! You can discuss volunteer work that you did outside of your local community in your essay. In fact, sharing experiences from different regions or countries can showcase your global perspective and cultural awareness. Be sure to explain the context and significance of your volunteer work in these different locations.

• How should I structure my essay when discussing my volunteer work?

When structuring your essay, consider using the following format:

• Introduction: Provide a brief overview of your volunteer work and its importance to you
• Main Body: Describe specific examples of your volunteer work, including the organization or project you were involved in, the tasks you performed, and the impact you made
• Conclusion: Summarize the key lessons learned from your volunteer experiences and how they have shaped your personal growth and future aspirations

Remember to use a professional voice and tone throughout your essay, showcasing your dedication and passion for volunteer work.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Experience / Volunteering

Volunteering Essay Examples

An essay on volunteering serves as a platform to explore the selfless act of contributing time, skills, and effort for the betterment of others and the community. The purpose of such an essay is to highlight the meaningful impact of volunteering, showcase the values it fosters, and inspire readers to engage in acts of service. Essays on volunteering emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, while also addressing the personal growth and fulfillment that volunteers experience. Promotion of Social Good One of the primary goals of an essay on volunteering is to promote the concept of social good and community welfare. These essays shed light on the positive change that volunteers bring to various social, environmental, and humanitarian causes, showcasing the power of collective action. Essays about volunteering emphasize the values of empathy and compassion that underlie acts of service. They encourage readers to step into the shoes of others, understand their challenges, and offer assistance to alleviate their hardships. Volunteering essay examples aim to inspire readers to take action and become active participants in their communities. These essays showcase how even small contributions can make a significant difference, encouraging readers to get involved and contribute their skills and time to causes they care about. Structure of an Essay on Volunteering:

Introduction: Begin with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic of volunteering and provides context for its significance. Thesis Statement: Include a clear thesis statement that outlines the main points you will address in the essay. Body Paragraphs: Divide the body of the essay into paragraphs that discuss different aspects of volunteering. This could include personal experiences, benefits of volunteering, impact on the community, and the values it fosters. Real-Life Examples: Include specific examples of volunteer work or organizations to illustrate your points. Personal Reflection: Share your personal reflections on the impact of volunteering, whether you’ve volunteered yourself or witnessed its effects. Encouragement and Call to Action: Conclude the essay by encouraging readers to consider volunteering and offering suggestions for getting involved.

An essay about volunteering serves as a reminder of the positive impact that individuals can have on society by giving back. By discussing the values, benefits, and personal growth associated with volunteering, these essays motivate readers to engage in acts of service that contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.

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Reasons Why Volunteering is Important in Australian Sport

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Volunteering at a Hospital: a Journey of Compassion and Contribution

Volunteering at a hospital is a unique and rewarding experience that offers insights into the healthcare field while allowing individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. This essay explores the significance of volunteering at a hospital, highlighting the...

The Motivators and Barriers for Blood Donation Amongst Male and Female Donors

A suitable blood supply relies on individual who are volunteer non-rewarded donors. In this paper, we would determine the selection and retaining sufficient normal voluntary non-rewarded blood benefactors the motivators and hindrances behind them should also be comprehended. Likewise, with fast increment in the use...

Formal Volunteering as a Protective Factor for Older Adults’ Psychological Well-being

Volunteering not only helps strengthen communities, but also promotes individual well-being. More specifically, volunteering among the geriatric community has been shown to yield a greater benefit than that of the younger population regarding emotional, psychological, and physical health. The study I will be analyzing asserts...

Personal Report on Volunteering at Dorothy Children’s Home

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Fostering Team Bonding Through Corporate Volunteering Abroad

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Cultural Development Through Acts of Kindness and Good Deeds

Many positive influences in society today have contributed to the development of a sustainable environment. Through multiple acts of altruism and teamwork, this has remained a possibility. Positive influences and human characteristics can both be developed through good deeds such as community services or mission...

An All-volunteer Force as the Better Alternative to Compulsory Military Service

“If a country cannot save itself through the volunteer service of its own free people, then I say: Let the damned thing go down the drain!”, once said Robert A. Heinlein at the 29th World Science Fiction Convention’s Honor Speech. In the last century, there...

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About Volunteering

A volunteer is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it. Volunteering is an act of an individual or group freely giving time and labour for community service.

Formal. Governance. Non-formal. Social action. Project based.

Volunteering is important as it offers essential help to worthwhile causes, people in need, and the wider community. Volunteering combats depression, and helps stay physically healthy.

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