Accumulating 30 hours or more is essential for Bright Futures awards and other scholarships, including Polk Education Foundation’s scholarship application.

We recommend completing 25 for each year of high school to be extra competitive. There are many opportunities to serve throughout Polk County, and your school is a great place to start!  Speak with the School Counselor and other Administration staff about opportunities on campus, including the media center, front office, and more. Below are a few Be The Future Be U™ and Polk Vision friends and partners who would welcome your willingness to make a difference in your community.

***Community service hours do not contribute to

your final transcript until completing the 8th grade.***

Volunteer-Polk

Students ages 14+ can earn up to 9 community service hours a month at Volunteer Polk. Students can use this site to be matched with volunteer opportunities throughout Polk County. Volunteer Polk will also help you keep track of your hours, which will be handy for scholarships! Parents may also find this helpful to volunteer alongside their child as a family activity.

VISTE

Volunteers must be 17+ or accompanied by someone who is 17+ in order to volunteer. The primary goal of VISTE is to enable frail elderly persons to continue living independently and safely in their own homes.

Lakeland Regional

Health

Teens, men, and women of all ages with various skills and experience can be part of their volunteer program.

Lake Wales Care

Center