Discover your community.
Make an impact.
Student United Way- Next Generation Philanthropy is a free program for high school juniors and seniors who want to learn more about their community and make a difference.
You'll learn about New London County's biggest challenges and volunteer at the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, a Mobile Pantry food distribution, and the Tommy Toy program.
You'll also experience philanthropy firsthand by working with peers to award a $2,500 grant to a local nonprofit organization.
No previous volunteer experience or knowledge of nonprofits or fundraising is required. Whether you're outgoing or quiet, already involved or just getting started, anyone can be a philanthropist. Every student has something valuable to contribute.
Student United Way is an opportunity to give back, learn alongside students from across New London County, and see how your time and ideas can make a lasting impact.
Students will gain:
- Leadership and teamworking skills
- Volunteer and community service hours
- An understanding of local community issues
- Knowledge of philanthropy and nonprofit organizations
- Real-world experience that builds skills for life and strengthens college, scholarship, and career applications
Anyone can be a philanthropist.
Philanthropy simply means caring about others and helping your community. Whether you give your time, your ideas, your talents, or your resources, everyone has something valuable to contribute. Student United Way welcomes students with all interests, backgrounds, personalities and experiences.
Interested in Next Generation Philanthropy? Applications open in the month of September!
Looking for a Different Experience? Explore another pathway ->
High school juniors and seniors who live in or attend school in New London County are invited to apply.
Absolutely! Any high school junior or senior is encouraged to apply. Please note that each year's cohort has space for approximately 20 students, so not every applicant may be invited to participate.
Applicants are accepted through the online application link on this website during the month of September each year. Applicants will receive an email in mid-October with their application status. Students invited to participate will complete additional paperwork before the first session.
No! Student United Way - Next Generation Philanthropy is completely free, and most sessions include dinner.
Students from any public school, private school, state school or homeschool program in New London County are encouraged to apply.
Each Next Generation Philanthropy cohort meets for 11 sessions, typically 1-3 times per month from October through March. While most sessions are 5:30 - 7:30 P.M., the timing of some sessions may vary. Click here to view a sample schedule.
Many sessions are held at the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut office in Gales Ferry, but some sessions- including volunteer experiences and community visits- take place at locations throughout New London County.
Transportation is not provided. Students and families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from program sessions and on-site activities.
Not at all! Student United Way is a great opportunity for students who are new to volunteering as well as students who already have volunteer experience.
Students are asked to commit to attending all scheduled sessions, if possible. A completed schedule for each year is available on our website during the month of September for students to reference when they apply. Click here to view a sample schedule.
We understand that students have busy schedules. Students should communicate with program staff if they need to miss a session. Because many activities build on previous sessions, consistent attendance is encouraged.
Students will be eligible to receive up to 20 volunteer/community service hours. Please check with your school for specific requirements.
No prior knowledge is needed! The program is designed to introduce students to philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community issues while building skills along the way.
Yes! Participation provides students with leadership experience, opportunities to explore community-focused careers, and experiences they can highlight in college, scholarship, or job applications. At the end of the program, each student will receive a letter of recommendation.
Check out our Student United Way Pathway Comparison Guide to help you decide which pathway is right for you.
Yes. The two pathways are design to complement one another. Next Generation Philanthropy is open to individual students through an annual application process, while Dialogue Leadership is currently offered through partner schools, community organizations, and existing youth programs. Students are encouraged to participate in both, whenever the opportunity is available.
If your school or youth organization is interested in bringing Dialogue Leadership to students, we'd love to connect! Express Interest->