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Future Paths
208 service opportunities matching “Cognitive Science UX research support student internship volunteer shadowing career exploration”
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Summer High School Internship Program
Students interested in science can spend their summers in our labs at the Boulder, CO, or the Gaithersburg, MD, campuses through NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP). Students learn from top scientists at NIST and work on your own research project.
What it is
Students interested in science can spend their summers in our labs at the Boulder, CO, or the Gaithersburg, MD, campuses through NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP). Students learn from top scientists at NIST and work on your own research project.
Best fit
High school students with interest in scientific research
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Applications generally open on November 1 and close in last week of January of the following year.
Department of Justice
Student Volunteer Program
The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed.
What it is
The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
U.S. Department of Education
Student Volunteer Internship Program
The Student Volunteer Internship Program at the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience while volunteering with the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution and submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application form.
What it is
The Student Volunteer Internship Program at the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience while volunteering with the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution and submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application form.
Best fit
Students attending HBCUs
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Volunteer Arlington
100 volunteers needed - Support students in a free afterschool program!
AHC is seeking 100+ passionate volunteers to support our Afterschool Program, serving students K-8th. Volunteers serve for one hour, weekly. We have seven education centers across Arlington. Volunteers will work with elementary or middle school students assisting with homework, life-skills, reading, playtime, relationship-building, and more. It is a very meaningful service opportunity, and a ton of fun!
What it is
AHC is seeking 100+ passionate volunteers to support our Afterschool Program, serving students K-8th. Volunteers serve for one hour, weekly. We have seven education centers across Arlington. Volunteers will work with elementary or middle school students assisting with homework, life-skills, reading, playtime, relationship-building, and more. It is a very meaningful service opportunity, and a ton of fun!
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
ongoing
George Mason University
Undergraduate Internship Program
The Schar School’s undergraduate internship program is designed to help students build professional experience, deepen their expertise, and grow a meaningful network in fields such as public policy, law, international relations, nonprofit work, and political communications.
What it is
The Schar School’s undergraduate internship program is designed to help students build professional experience, deepen their expertise, and grow a meaningful network in fields such as public policy, law, international relations, nonprofit work, and political communications.
Best fit
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
The final deadline to apply for the internship course is the Last Day to Add of each semester.
James City County (Virginia)
Internship Program Application
Offers volunteer and internship positions with county departments that are open to high school students age 16+ and college students, supporting community service and experiential learning.
What it is
Offers volunteer and internship positions with county departments that are open to high school students age 16+ and college students, supporting community service and experiential learning.
Best fit
High school students age 16+ and college students
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
Student Volunteers Needed – Foundation to Fight H-ABC Pickleball Event
The Foundation to Fight H-ABC is seeking student volunteers to help with our community pickleball event supporting our mission to raise awareness of H-ABC (TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy), an ultra-rare neurological disease that primarily affects children and young adults. This is a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about rare disease, disability, nonprofit service, and the important role community organizations play in supporting affected families and advancing research.
What it is
The Foundation to Fight H-ABC is seeking student volunteers to help with our community pickleball event supporting our mission to raise awareness of H-ABC (TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy), an ultra-rare neurological disease that primarily affects children and young adults. This is a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about rare disease, disability, nonprofit service, and the important role community organizations play in supporting affected families and advancing research.
Best fit
MCPS students
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Accepting
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Volunteer Program
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). Our volunteers play a vital role in connecting students and the public with hands-on environmental science and education. We’re excited that you’re considering joining our team.
What it is
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). Our volunteers play a vital role in connecting students and the public with hands-on environmental science and education. We’re excited that you’re considering joining our team.
Best fit
must be 18
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
We accept new volunteers twice a year—in late winter for spring programs and in late summer for fall programs
Smithsonian Institution
Community Scientists - Virginia Working Landscapes
VWL has a cohort of Volunteer Community Scientists who support our Annual Grassland Biodiversity Surveys. These volunteers spend countless hours in the field gathering valuable ecological data. These efforts are helping us to understand how land management practices influence native species and may ultimately yield new insights into how private landowners can manage their land for biodiversity conservation.
What it is
VWL has a cohort of Volunteer Community Scientists who support our Annual Grassland Biodiversity Surveys. These volunteers spend countless hours in the field gathering valuable ecological data. These efforts are helping us to understand how land management practices influence native species and may ultimately yield new insights into how private landowners can manage their land for biodiversity conservation.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
The Gunston School – Chesapeake Bay Studies Program
Community Service Opportunities
Community service is a graduation requirement at Gunston School, with students expected to complete 45 hours individually. Activities include volunteering with churches, scouting, artisan fairs, summer camps, and programs for children, as well as environmental initiatives like the Chesapeake Bay watershed programs.
What it is
Community service is a graduation requirement at Gunston School, with students expected to complete 45 hours individually. Activities include volunteering with churches, scouting, artisan fairs, summer camps, and programs for children, as well as environmental initiatives like the Chesapeake Bay watershed programs.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Department of Education (ED)
Student Volunteer Trainee Program
The Student Volunteer Trainee Program is an eight to ten week program that offers volunteer opportunities to students enrolled in accredited educational institutions. Students who participate in the program will gain educational experience in their field of study or career interest and will develop personal and professional skills.
What it is
The Student Volunteer Trainee Program is an eight to ten week program that offers volunteer opportunities to students enrolled in accredited educational institutions. Students who participate in the program will gain educational experience in their field of study or career interest and will develop personal and professional skills.
Best fit
students enrolled in accredited educational institutions
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Fall: Application open and close: May 1st - July 31st; Winter/Spring: Application open and close: September 1st - November 30th; Summer: Application open and close: January 1st - March 31st
James City County (Virginia)
Volunteer Application – Park Attendant for a Day
Opportunity to shadow James City County Parks & Recreation operational and logistical positions, including maintaining cleanliness of parks, supporting park programming, assisting in minor maintenance and repair projects, monitoring activities, and addressing patron questions or concerns.
What it is
Opportunity to shadow James City County Parks & Recreation operational and logistical positions, including maintaining cleanliness of parks, supporting park programming, assisting in minor maintenance and repair projects, monitoring activities, and addressing patron questions or concerns.
Best fit
high school students age 16+ and college students
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Volunteer Internship Program
Internships providing students with valuable experience in disability and aging services and research programs within the federal government.
What it is
Internships providing students with valuable experience in disability and aging services and research programs within the federal government.
Best fit
Undergraduate
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Teen Volunteering
Teens can join conservation education and animal-care related volunteer programs at the Maryland Zoo, earning community service hours while supporting wildlife conservation and environmental education activities.
What it is
Teens can join conservation education and animal-care related volunteer programs at the Maryland Zoo, earning community service hours while supporting wildlife conservation and environmental education activities.
Best fit
Teens
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Virginia Zoo
Conservation Youth Team
The Virginia Zoo’s Conservation Youth Team (CYT) is a youth development program for high schoolers that provides important volunteer services to the Zoo, our guests and our communities. During a fun and intense one-week training at the beginning of summer, teens learn their way around the Zoo, the basics of conservation and ecology and how to interpret to Zoo guests. For the rest of the summer, CYT participants provide exhibit interpretation for Zoo guests or support summer Safari Camp programs.
What it is
The Virginia Zoo’s Conservation Youth Team (CYT) is a youth development program for high schoolers that provides important volunteer services to the Zoo, our guests and our communities. During a fun and intense one-week training at the beginning of summer, teens learn their way around the Zoo, the basics of conservation and ecology and how to interpret to Zoo guests. For the rest of the summer, CYT participants provide exhibit interpretation for Zoo guests or support summer Safari Camp programs.
Best fit
High school students
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Volunteer Prince William
Ben Lomond Historic Site Junior Preservationist
Our Junior Preservationists work with historic preservation staff and other volunteers doing many of the same work performed by adult volunteers. You can learn more about how historic sites are run, how artifacts are cared for, and maybe tackle a special project suitable to your age range. You can also assist with special events, summer camps, education programs, and the daily operations of Ben Lomond.
What it is
Our Junior Preservationists work with historic preservation staff and other volunteers doing many of the same work performed by adult volunteers. You can learn more about how historic sites are run, how artifacts are cared for, and maybe tackle a special project suitable to your age range. You can also assist with special events, summer camps, education programs, and the daily operations of Ben Lomond.
Best fit
Junior Preservationists, General
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
KidFriendly DC
Volunteer at Eliana's Light
We are a volunteer-based organization that supports children with complex medical conditions, their family members, and care providers by improving whole health, well-being, and quality of life. Volunteers can help with fundraising, outreach & communications, and partner identification and engagement.
What it is
We are a volunteer-based organization that supports children with complex medical conditions, their family members, and care providers by improving whole health, well-being, and quality of life. Volunteers can help with fundraising, outreach & communications, and partner identification and engagement.
Best fit
Families with medically complex children, general community
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
National Institutes of Health
Volunteer Services Program
The NIH Clinical Center Volunteer Services Program develops and maintains an efficient corps of volunteers to assist and support Clinical Center staff in delivering quality care that exceeds the expectations of patients, families, and visitors.
What it is
The NIH Clinical Center Volunteer Services Program develops and maintains an efficient corps of volunteers to assist and support Clinical Center staff in delivering quality care that exceeds the expectations of patients, families, and visitors.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Holy Cross Health
Internship and Volunteer Opportunities at Holy Cross Health Centers
Volunteer and student internship opportunities available at Holy Cross Health Centers in Montgomery County. Internships are offered in partnership with area schools and universities.
What it is
Volunteer and student internship opportunities available at Holy Cross Health Centers in Montgomery County. Internships are offered in partnership with area schools and universities.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks
Weed Warrior Volunteer Program
The Weed Warrior Volunteer Program empowers community members to help Montgomery Parks staff manage non-native, invasive plants (NNIs) on parkland. Volunteers are taught to properly identify and manage specific species of NNIs using best management practices. Certified Weed Warriors are authorized to control NNIs on Montgomery Parkland without supervision, with a commitment of at least 10 hours per year.
What it is
The Weed Warrior Volunteer Program empowers community members to help Montgomery Parks staff manage non-native, invasive plants (NNIs) on parkland. Volunteers are taught to properly identify and manage specific species of NNIs using best management practices. Certified Weed Warriors are authorized to control NNIs on Montgomery Parkland without supervision, with a commitment of at least 10 hours per year.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Community Engagement and Volunteer Center, James Madison University
Alternative Break Program
JMU’s Alternative Break Program offers student-led service immersion trips over fall, spring, and other breaks, where groups of JMU students spend a week volunteering with nonprofit partners around social issues such as poverty, education, refugee resettlement, and the environment.
What it is
JMU’s Alternative Break Program offers student-led service immersion trips over fall, spring, and other breaks, where groups of JMU students spend a week volunteering with nonprofit partners around social issues such as poverty, education, refugee resettlement, and the environment.
Best fit
JMU students
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Youth Conservation Leadership Institute
A recognition program for students in 9th- 12th grade that focuses on volunteer service and environmental stewardship. Participants complete at least 20 hours of community service with a conservation focus and participate in a book discussion and required progress reports throughout the year.
What it is
A recognition program for students in 9th- 12th grade that focuses on volunteer service and environmental stewardship. Participants complete at least 20 hours of community service with a conservation focus and participate in a book discussion and required progress reports throughout the year.
Best fit
Students in 9th-12th grade with a strong interest in natural resource conservation
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Applications due Thursday, October 8th, 2026
Gaithersburg High School
Gaithersburg HS Student Service Learning
Gaithersburg High School’s SSL page outlines SSL-infused courses and links students to Montgomery County Volunteer Center opportunities so they can earn service-learning hours toward their high school graduation requirement.
What it is
Gaithersburg High School’s SSL page outlines SSL-infused courses and links students to Montgomery County Volunteer Center opportunities so they can earn service-learning hours toward their high school graduation requirement.
Best fit
MCPS students
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Madison House (University of Virginia)
Madison House Student Volunteer Center
Volunteers play a crucial role at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry by sorting and packing fresh produce and shelf-stable food bags, assembling customized grocery carts, and helping visitors communicate in different languages, creating a welcoming environment to combat food insecurity with dignity and respect.
What it is
Volunteers play a crucial role at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry by sorting and packing fresh produce and shelf-stable food bags, assembling customized grocery carts, and helping visitors communicate in different languages, creating a welcoming environment to combat food insecurity with dignity and respect.
Best fit
UVA students
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime