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Islanders connect with community organizations at Student Volunteer Fair
September 30, 2024
Hundreds of Islanders had the opportunity to learn more about how they can help in the community at the annual Grand Island Senior High Student Volunteer Fair.
The event on Sept. 25 was held in the West Gym as an estimated 20 percent of the student body attended. Thirteen community organizations and nonprofits set up at the event, which was organized by GISH and the Grand Island Public Schools GEAR UP team.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and the Grand Island community for uniting to make both our school and city better,” said Amber High, GIPS GEAR UP Grant Coordinator.
The Student Volunteer Fair offers students the opportunity to see how they can help their community and expand their resume, while also helping organizations carry out their missions. The GEAR UP PROMISE (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs - Partners, Resources & Opportunities Matching Individualized Supports & Education) team focuses their efforts on creating opportunities for GISH students to ensure they are successful in life after high school.
The Volunteer Fair serves as a valuable avenue for community organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska and the Heartland United Way.
“This event is the perfect way for students to connect to helpful resources and also find causes they are passionate about sharing their time with,” said Karly Behrendt, Development Director at the Heartland United Way. “Our community needs people who are willing to take action; the GIPS students who have generously volunteered for the United Way have been reliable, and have played a key role in leading a meaningful impact!,” she exclaimed.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska have also found the event to be beneficial.
“We have found that being able to talk with students at the Volunteer Fair helps us to not only showcase our youth programming, but also gives students an opportunity to find out about volunteering themselves,” said Michelle Brisnehan, Match Support Coordinator for BBBS.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ School Based program matches High School Juniors & Seniors with an elementary student. Brisnehan said by volunteering to become a High School “Big”, students have the opportunity to meet each week with a younger student providing support, being a role model and making their day a little brighter.
“As a Big, students gain valuable insight about our community and our schools, get credit for volunteer/community service hours, become eligible for scholarships and make a direct impact,” Brisnehan said.
Littles who are matched with a Big, Brisnehan said, show improved attendance.
“We love working with high school students and appreciate the number of GISH students that have made an impact on the lives of children in our community,” Brisnehan said. “We love that GISH students understand the reality of our motto 'IT TAKES LITTLE TO BE BIG' every day.”
High said volunteering helps students stand out when applying for scholarships, colleges or jobs, making an event like this a win for all.
“The growing success of the volunteer fair highlights its positive impact, offering students valuable opportunities to enrich their own lives while helping others,” High added. “We're thrilled to support this initiative and are excited to see it grow.”