15+ Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities for Teens in Greater New Orleans
Summer in New Orleans offers teens more than just leisure—it’s a chance to grow, contribute, and prepare for what’s next. As a mom of a rising senior and a rising freshman, I’ve found that volunteer opportunities not only help fulfill school service hour requirements but also shape well-rounded, compassionate individuals. For my son, these experiences are great talking points on college applications and a way to stand out as someone who gives back. For my daughter, volunteering outside of school events builds confidence, new friendships, and a stronger connection to her community.
Whether your teen is looking for a place to plug in for a few weeks or they’re hoping to explore a potential career path, there are so many ways to get involved across New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and even the Northshore. We’ve pulled together a list of more than 15 opportunities to help teens make a meaningful impact while developing responsibility and heart along the way.
Jefferson Parish Library – Teen Volunteer Program :: Teens can assist with shelving books, prepping crafts, and supporting children’s programs. Flexible schedules make this a great fit for busy students.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) – Teen Art Council :: High school students collaborate on programming for teen audiences, interact with museum staff, and explore artistic expression.
Louisiana SPCA – Youth Volunteer Program :: Animal lovers aged 12+ can assist with animal care and outreach. Teens under 16 must volunteer with an adult.
Delivering Hope NOLA :: Teens can help assemble and deliver NICU care packages for local families. Look out for community events throughout the year.
Girls on the Run NOLA :: Teen volunteers can serve as junior coaches or race day volunteers, helping to empower young girls through running and life skills programs. A great fit for active teens and aspiring mentors.
Ochsner Health – Junior Volunteer Program :: Teens aged 14–17 can gain hospital experience and support patients during the summer months. Includes orientation and health screenings.
Children’s Hospital New Orleans – Volunteer Opportunities :: Volunteers help in playrooms, deliver activities, and brighten young patients’ days. Great exposure for those interested in healthcare.
HandsOn New Orleans :: From school beautification to community clean-ups, teens can sign up for diverse service projects across the metro area.
Second Harvest Food Bank :: Teens can sort donations, pack meals, or help lead food drives to fight hunger throughout South Louisiana.
STEM NOLA :: Teens help younger students engage in hands-on STEM activities during community events and Saturday programs.
Green Light New Orleans :: Teens can join projects installing energy-efficient lightbulbs and rain barrels, helping neighborhoods become more sustainable.
Jefferson SPCA :: Teen volunteers assist with animal care, adoption events, and humane education. A great opportunity for service hours and hands-on experience.
Giving Hope NOLA :: Teens can help in the food pantry by sorting, packing, and distributing food to those in need.
Audubon Nature Institute – Zoo & Aquarium :: The Audubon Teen Camp Counselor and Junior Keeper programs allow students to support educational activities and animal care.
Louisiana Children’s Museum :: Volunteers age 15+ can help facilitate play and learning for younger children and support special events.
Habitat for Humanity :: Teens 16+ can volunteer at builds or in ReStore locations, helping with construction, sales, and home repair.
NORD (New Orleans Recreation Development Commission) :: Teens can assist with summer camps, sports, and enrichment programs at NORD facilities across the city.
Gigi’s Playhouse :: Teens 15+ can volunteer to provide one-on-one tutoring (math or literacy), assist with group programs, and support administrative tasks such as writing thank you cards, laminating materials, and greeting families at events.
KidCam Camps :: Teens can volunteer with the Camp Benny Buddy program, which can be one to six weeks of Service/Experience Hours. A Camp Benny Summer Camp Buddy will be responsible for engaging with campers & assisting counselors, ensuring their safety, facilitating activities, and promoting a positive and inclusive camp atmosphere designed to support social, emotional, and sensory development while ensuring a fun and memorable summer experience for children with diverse needs. Camp Benny is located at Rudolph Matas Elementary School in Metairie.
Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry :: Volunteers are needed to assist with basket prep, Chick-Fil-A bagging, prepping for distribution, unloading refrigerators, and cleaning up.
Grace at the Green Light :: Volunteering with Grace at the Green Light aids our community in helping break down the barriers between our housed and unhoused communities. Volunteers can help serve breakfast or put together and pass out hygiene bags.
Northshore Opportunities
If you’re on the Northshore, there are still plenty of ways for teens to get involved and give back close to home:
St. Tammany Parish Library – Teen Volunteer Club (TVC) :: Open to students who have completed 7th grade, the TVC offers chances to help with events, plan programs, and earn service hours.
Northshore Humane Society – Junior Volunteer Program :: Teens 12+ can assist in the shelter with animal care and enrichment activities. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Northshore Food Bank :: Teens can help sort, organize, and distribute food to families across the Northshore community. Perfect for students in need of service hours or looking to give back locally.
The Power of Purpose
The teen years are such a pivotal time—not just for learning in the classroom, but for discovering who they are and how they can make a difference. Volunteering helps teens step outside themselves and see the world through a more compassionate lens. Whether it’s comforting animals, shelving books, packing food boxes, or helping at local events, these experiences build empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
As a mom, I’m grateful for every opportunity that helps my children grow into kind, engaged young adults. Whether your teen needs service hours, wants to explore a future career path, or is simply looking for a connection, the Greater New Orleans area offers so many ways to make an impact. Volunteering as a family can be just as powerful—deepening relationships while modeling kindness and compassion. I hope this list inspires your family to try something new and discover just how powerful purpose-filled service can be.
