Get Involved

GET INVOLVED: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Why Engagement Matters to Colleges

Colleges and universities look for more than just grades and test scores-they want a complete picture of who you are as an individual. Admissions officers value dedication, leadership, and personal growth. They want to see how you spend your time, how you contribute to your community, and the skills you develop along the way.

What Counts as "Getting Involved"? (Hint: Almost Everything!)

Many students believe only formal volunteer programs count on a college application, but admissions teams value meaningful personal and family commitments just as much:

Family Responsibilities & Home Leadership: Babysitting siblings, caring for family members, translating for parents, or contributing to family responsibilities while keeping up with school shows time management, resilience, and maturity.
Campus Clubs, Arts & Athletics: Participating in sports, joining ASB or becoming a class senator, playing in the band, or joining specialized-interest clubs demonstrates teamwork and leadership.
Mentorship & Peer Support: Tutoring peers during study sessions, serving as a student aide, or mentoring in lower-grade classrooms showcase collaboration and communication skills.
Community & Faith Groups: Participating in youth groups, church choirs, community organizations, or local outreach projects highlights civic engagement and dedication.
Personal Hobbies & Self-Directed Projects: Developing skills in digital art, coding, automotive repair, music production, or running a small creative project shows passion, initiative, and focus.

You do not need to do everything. Colleges prefer to see sustained commitment and depth in one or two areas rather than shallow participation in many. What matters most is your ability to explain how these experiences shaped your character, build practical life skills, and prepare you to succeed in higher education.

Community Service & Graduation Honors

While extracurriculars and family leadership strengthen your narrative, direct community service remains an essential way to give back and earn recognition:

Whittier High School Service Pin: Students who complete a minimum of 150 community service hours across their four years are awarded an official service pin to wear at graduation.
AVID Annual Target: We recommend aiming for 37.5 hours per school year:
- School Year: 27.5 Hours
- Summer: 10 Hours

Note: Tracking sheets are available in the Important Documents page.

Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities

Local Community Partners:

Online Search Portals: