United Way of Berks County

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High School/College Student Volunteering

High School/College Student Volunteering

Are you a high school or college student who is concerned about your future and the future of your community? If so, consider becoming a volunteer!

Volunteering engages the next generation by helping youth contribute to their communities in a positive way, while having fun at the same time!

Youth volunteerism is a growing trend. Youth and young adults are realizing that they have something to offer and can become an important part in shaping a brighter future for their communities through volunteering.

Volunteering builds a variety of skills that are vital to success in today’s world. You learn communication and social skills by interacting with diverse groups of people. You become more aware of your community and the tasks that need to be done to make it a quality place to live and work. You also can learn job-related skills that further your potential for future success. Colleges and employers consider volunteer experiences a plus for their applicants.

There are a lot of opportunities for you to become involved as a volunteer –consider volunteering with a group of friends! Find an opportunity that works for you by clicking Volunteer Now. Also, check out the Summer Youth Volunteer Opportunities Publication (available soon) that announces available volunteering opportunities for youth over the summer months.

Give Now
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Community Impact Contacts

Pat Giles, Senior Vice President, Community Impact
610-685-4567
patgiles@uwberks.org

  

Stella Leonti, Director of Education
610-685-4566
stellal@uwberks.org

 

Jane Moyer, Early Care and Education Program Director
610-685-4577
janemoy@uwberks.org

 

Jen O'Brien, Community Impact Director
610-685-4586
jennifero@uwberks.org

 

Darby Wiekrykas, Volunteer Engagement Program Manager
610-685-4574
darbyw@uwberks.org 

 

 

UWBC Initiatives and Programs

United Way Initiatives and Programs

Berks Early Care and Education Council

FamilyWize Discount Drug Program

 

Community Collaborations

Berks Money in Your Pocket Coalition

 

Special Funded Programs

Greater Berks Food Bank

RACC English as a Second Language Program

Reading Housing Authority Wellness Program

Did You Know?

Berks County faces many challenges each day that impact the present and future quality of life for many of its residents. Did you know…………..

  • Record numbers of Berks County residents (over 60,000) are receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assiatance Program) benefits
  • Between 2009 and 2011, there was a 33% increase in the number of Berks County residents who received SNAP benefits.
  • Over 50% of the SNAP Recipients in Berks County are below the age of 20.
  • 14% of Berks County families with children under the age of 18 were living below the poverty level.
  • The City of Reading is ranked as one of the nation’s poorest cities, having the highest poverty rate in Pennsylvania and the sixth highest in the country. (among cities with a population above 65,000)
  • Almost 17% of the Berks County adult population did not possess a high school diploma.
  • The Reading School District estimates that 70% of children entering kindergarten lack one or more skills needed to be successful in school.
  • The City of Reading has one of the highest rates of births to teen mothers in the state of Pennsylvania.