Online Volunteer Opportunities for Students

Last updated September 3, 2025

In this article

• Become a Smithsonian Digital Volunteer
• Join an online citizen science project at Zooniverse
• Be a digital advocate for American Red Cross
• Become a TED Translator
• Tutor students online
• Looking for more ways to give back? 

There are many great reasons for students to volunteer! Volunteering allows you to give back to others, earn required community service hours for school, gain experience in particular fields to add to your resume, and make new professional connections. Here are five online volunteer opportunities for students that can be done from the comfort of your home!

Become a Smithsonian Digital Volunteer

Since 2013, virtual “volunpeers” have been reviewing and transcribing documents for the Smithsonian Institution’s digital library, making historical documents more accessible for all. Documents include field notes, diaries, ledgers, logbooks, photo albums, biodiversity specimen labels, historic audio recordings, and so much more.

Join an online citizen science project at Zooniverse

Millions of registered volunteers are participating in real science research through Zooniverse. Research projects cover a huge range of topics, from history and medicine to art and nature.

Be a digital advocate for American Red Cross

Digital advocates for the American Red Cross share important information on social media to raise awareness about causes they believe in. Additionally, the Red Cross makes it easy to start your own online fundraiser in support of those who need it!

Become a TED Translator

If you speak more than one language and are looking for a way to give back, you can join TED Talks’ network of 47,000+ volunteers to translate TED Talks from home! 

Tutor students online

Apply to be a virtual tutor with Learn to Be! They have volunteer opportunities for high schoolers, college students, retirees and working professionals. You can create a volunteer schedule that works for you. 

Looking for more ways to give back? 

Check out VolunteerMatch, a free platform that connects you to volunteer opportunities and nonprofit organizations based on your skills, interests, and location. If you’re looking for other extracurriculars you can do from home or virtually, check out our list of 10 activities to boost your college application!

Do you have any questions about volunteering? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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