Giving back through volunteering and community service is an important part of American culture. The Helping Hands Community Service Project was created to encourage STS Foundation exchange students to embrace the spirit of volunteerism and give back to the US communities that welcome them. As they travel back to their home countries at the end of the exchange year, students also take back with them this spirit of volunteerism and may go on to continue giving back long after they have left the United States.
- Layla from Saudi Arabia, STSF Alumni, Class of 2020
Be inspired to give back each month of your exchange year by following the monthly themes of the Helping Hands Calendar!
Be sure to follow STS Foundation on social media for monthly ideas of how you can give back.
MONTH | THEME |
---|---|
September | Youth |
October | Veterans/Military |
November | Food |
December | Holiday Spirit |
January | Education |
February | Animals |
March | Health and Safety |
April | Environment |
May | Cultural Exchange Programs |
STS Foundation students currently on exchange in the USA are invited to participate in the Helping Hands Community Service Project. Host Families and Local Coordinators are encouraged to be involved and participate with their exchange student(s).
STS Foundation students are encouraged to volunteer during their entire exchange year. Volunteer and community hours completed in the first semester must be submitted by January 15, 2024. Volunteer and community hours completed in the second semester must be submitted by May 15, 2024.
STS Foundation students participate by volunteering and completing community service in their local community. Details of their volunteer and community service hours need to be submitted using Helping Hands Community Service Tracker.
To encourage students to participate and give back to their community, STS Foundation will gift a $100 Amazon gift card to the student who completes and submit the most volunteer hours each semester.
"*" indicates required fields