From time to time we like to shine a spotlight on a non-profit agency. Following is a brief overview of UGIVE.org. a non-profit that gets students volunteering in their community.

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UGIVE.org is a non-profit online organization whose mission is to catalyze, excite and empower the next generation of volunteers.  We link students to volunteer opportunities in their areas that they are passionate about by providing service events for all interests.  We are 100% free for students, schools, and charities, and the ultimate goal is to make communities thrive and create life-long givers.

UGIVE helps students by tracking and validating their hours, which will help them get into college and get jobs after graduation.  Charities benefit by getting volunteers who are truly passionate about giving back, and schools benefit by getting the burden of paperwork taken away.  UGIVE strives to make philanthropy relevant to students, guiding then to give their time and talents to build communities.

There are several ways for students to get involved!  A great upcoming opportunity for high school students is the 2^nd Annual Summer Internship Program.  This 6 week program will include weekly meetings and four service activities.  A select group of 60 students from across the region will be chosen for the program.  The program will include a combination of direct service activities, and a robust leadership and business skill development program.  Students can learn more about the internship and sign up at http://www.ugive.org/summerintern.aspx.

There are other opportunities for students to get involved this summer, as well.  For example, Imago is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love the outdoors to work as counselors for their summer camps and Christ Hospital needs volunteers as part of their junior summer program.

For more ideas, students can go to www.ugive.org and search under the categories that best fit their interests.