Volunteer, Research, Courses, & Other Opportunities for Upper School Students
Volunteer Opportunities in the Community
(listed alphabetically)
- 9th-12th GRADERS: Baptist Health
- What: Junior Program 14-18 and College Program 18-22
- Where: Baptist Health of Louisville
- When: 2 month commitments per Spring, Summer, and Fall Seasons, varying days & hours
- How: Apply through www.baptisthealthlouisville.com > volunteer programs > College and Junior Volunteer Program > Volunteer Opportunities
- Learn more about the Baptist Health Student Volunteer Program by clicking here.
- Contact Letha Curtsinger Volunteer Coordinator / Manager of Student Programs (502) 896-7045 with all questions.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: Catholic Charities of Louisville
- What: Varies from administrative work, tutoring, cleaning, organizing, gardening, packaging care boxes, visiting with elderly etc.
- Where: Various locations in Louisville
- When: Varies
- How: View volunteer opportunities and complete an application here.
- Learn more about Catholic Charities of Louisville here.
- Contact Lauren Goldener at lgoldener@archlou.org with any inquiries.
- 7th-12th GRADERS: Dare to Care
- What: Dare to Care partners with local social service agencies, such as food pantries, shelters and emergency kitchens to distribute food to our community.
- Where: 5803 Fern Valley Rd. Louisville, KY 40228
- When: Varies
- How: To learn how to volunteer please click here.
- Learn more about Dare to Care here.
- 7th-12th GRADERS: Hope Scarves
- What: Hope Scarves is an international non-profit organization based in Louisville, Kentucky. Their mission is to support people facing cancer and “live life over cancer” through scarves, stories, and research. Volunteers can serve in several different ways to help aid in the collection of scarves from around the world and stories from cancer survivors and pair them together to spread hope to others in treatment.
- Where: Hope Scarves is located at 141 N. Sherrin Avenue Suite #101 Louisville, KY 40207; Scarf drives may be hosted anywhere
- When: Varies
- How: Learn the variety of ways you and your community can volunteer by clicking here.
- Learn more about Hope Scarves here.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: Kentucky Humane Society: East Campus Adoption Center
- What: After attending an educational orientation to learn animal care protocols, completing two cleaning shifts, and attending a mentor shift with a staff member, volunteers begin meeting the variety of needs of the animals and overall Adoption Center.
- Where: East Campus Adoption Center at 1000 Lyndon Lane, Louisville, KY 40222.
- When: Varies in 2hr shifts
- How: View volunteer opportunities and the application process by exploring the KHS website: here.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: Norton Hospital
- 9th-12th GRADERS: Ronald McDonald House
- What: The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana is to provide the home and support that allows families to stay together while they focus on the healing of their sick children at a critical time. Volunteers assist with providing meals or leading fun activities for children of the families.
- Where: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana 550 S. First Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202
- When: One time opportunities available; when one may schedule varies
- How: View volunteer opportunities and sign up here.
Research, Job-Shadowing, Internships, Fellowships, Courses, & Other Opportunities
(listed alphabetically)
- Students who have completed 12-18hrs of post-secondary college credit and are at least 18 yrs of age at time of application: Bank of America’s Student Leaders Internship
- What: Full-time 6 week paid internship at a local nonprofit ($17/hr.-or your local minimum wage if higher; 35 hrs. /week) and a 3-day Leadership Summit within the United States (June 16-18, 2026), with paid summit expenses as part of the 6-week experience.
- Where: In-state and leadership summit location (tba).
- When: 6 week internship starting mid-June
- Deadline: March 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm eastern Applications for 2026 are now closed; stay tuned for 2027.
- Cost of attendance is paid for by Bank of America (students only need to pay for their own souvenirs and incidentals)
- Learn more here.
- Students who will be 16yrs or older by June 1, in the Jefferson County Metro area, who have taken at least one advance science course, interested in learning more about and conducting cancer research: (UofL’s) Brown Cancer Center High School Summer Research Program 2026
- What: 9-week research internship (Monday, June 1 – Friday, July 31, 2026)
- Deadline: Sunday, April 5, 2026 Applications for 2026 are now closed; stay tuned for 2027.
- Where: The Brown Cancer Center (BCC) at the University of Louisville
- Learn more and apply here (bottom of page, click red button “Learn more about the Summer Internship Program”).
- 11th GRADERS: Center for Excellence in Education’s Research Science Institute
- What: Each summer, 100 of the world’s most accomplished high school students gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the Research Science Institute (RSI). RSI is the first cost-free to students, summer science & engineering program to combine on-campus course work in scientific theory with off-campus work in science and technology research.
- Deadline: Applications for 2026 are now closed; stay tuned for 2027.
- Learn more and apply here.
- 9th-12th grade students -opportunity to submit an analysis paper (anything on the topic of “The Ancient Mediterranean World Before 500CE) for the (UofL’s) Classical Outreach Conference hosted by Eta Sigma Phi Zeta Lambda, ΗΣΦ ZΛ, Classical Languages Honor Society
- What: The Classical Outreach Conference is being hosted with the goal of creating and cultivating an interest in all forms of the Classical world. This is a university level academic conference.
- Theme: ‘The Ancient Mediterranean World Before 500CE’
- Deadline to submit papers: Sunday, March 29, 2026 (see link for more info on the paper requirements and submission) Applications for 2026 are now closed; stay tuned for 2027.
- Where: University of Louisville, Belknap Campus-The event will start in the Chao Auditorium-Lower Level West in the William F. Ekstrom Library at UofL. You can find the library located at 2301 S. 3rd St. Louisville, KY 40292. The event will conclude in Hassold Theatre located in the Bingham Humanities building at 2216 S. 1st St.
- When: Friday, April 10, 2026, from 2pm-7pm; the conference will begin with lightning talks by professors followed by a Q&A session in Chao Auditorium (Ekstrom Library).
- More details: Two high school winners will be chosen to present at the conference, allowing them to meet UofL students (undergrad and graduate) and professors studying history, Latin, Ancient Greek, the humanities, and more. Selected presenters will have the ability to utilize PowerPoint if desired.
- For more information, please click here to be taken directly to the Conference website.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: Congressional Award Medal
- What: The Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness. The program is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive.
- Where: Wherever you are!
- When: Young people may register when they turn 13 1/2 years old. They are eligible to submit activities starting at 14 years old and must complete their activities by their 24th birthday.
- How: You only have to register for the program once. On your own or with your friends. This is not an award for past accomplishments. Instead, you are honored for achieving your own challenging goals after registering for the program.
- Cost: one-time $25.00 registration fee
- Learn more and register here.
- Students ages 12-20: Flight Club 502 Youth Membership
- What: Flight Club 502, established in 2015 as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, empowers youth with STEM education, leadership/entrepreneurship, decision making and patriotism through aviation.
- When: Classes and event times vary.
- Where: 2911 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205
- Why: FC502 is meant to inspire and empower young leaders by providing immersive aviation experiences, expanding our reach to foster a global community of innovative and skilled aviators.
- How: In order to become part of Flight Club 502, you need to become a member; learn more here.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: International Research Institute of North Carolina (IRI-NC)
- What: IRI-NC offers Individual or Group Introduction to Research Programs and an Express Intro to Research Program
- Where: The program is conducted online.
- When: Applications are on a rolling admissions basis. Starting dates: twice per month. Students will typically participate in an 8-week term, but a 4-week version is available. You will coordinate the meetings with your mentor & PI based on your availability.
- How: Fill out an online form and send to admissions@iri-nc.org, interview with the admissions coordinator and or faculty, receive acceptance notification
- Cost: ranges from $995 – $2,750
- Learn more and apply here.
- 11th Grade Girls: Louisville & Bullitt County Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program
- What: The DYW mission is to empower young women to reach their full potential by providing scholarship opportunities for college as well as personal development to become confident leaders.
- When: Preliminaries – January 9, 2026 at 7pm & January 10, 2026 at 11am; Finals – January 10, 2026 at 7pm; Orientation occurs February 15, 2026 at 2pm. Applications for 2026 are now closed; stay tuned for 2027.
- How: Junior girls, watch for invites emailed from your College Counselor; the program involves attending meetings / workshops for 6-7 weeks through the winter and early spring and attending a dress rehearsal and final showcase on March 28, 2026.
- Learn more and apply here.
- Email louisville@distinguishedyw.org for more information.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council
- What: LYPC is a youth leadership development program that harnesses the power of philanthropy to equip young people with the skills and resources they need to make a positive impact in their communities (College Credit is available through this program!).
- When: LYPC takes place over 16 Saturdays, 11AM-2PM during August to March (lunch provided and scheduled around ACTs). APPLICATION DUE MAY 15, 2026
- Where: LYPC meets at the University of Louisville
- How: Apply online, the program is FREE to all. Once you have applied, those selected will be invited to an in-person or virtual interview.
- Learn more and apply here.
- 11th-12th GRADERS 17 years & older: Norton Healthcare High School Programs : Job Shadowing & Norton Healthcare Scholars Program
- Who & Why: Available for high school and college students to become involved with health care and explore career options.
- What & How: The programs support high school students in career exploration and creation of meaningful work experiences that directly impact patients. The programs provides unique experiences in health care through volunteering, shadowing, hands-on experience and other learning opportunities.
- Where & When: Norton Healthcare Hospitals; varies
- Learn more and apply here.
- 9th-12th GRADERS interested in exploring law careers (priority given to juniors and graduating seniors): Summer Law Institute
- What: The Summer Law Institute (SLI) is your all-access pass to the legal profession. Spend a week diving deep into the world of law, developing your advocacy skills, and connecting with legal professionals right here in Louisville. Sponsored by the Louisville Bar Association, Bellarmine Mock Trial Team and UofL Brandeis School of Law
- When: Saturday, June 13 – Saturday, June 20, 2026 This is a non-residential day program.
- Where: Louisville Bar Center 600 W. Main St., Ste. 110 Louisville, KY 40202 (Note: Final Saturday location TBD)
- Cost: A limited number of scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need. Only students intending to apply for a scholarship need to complete Form B. Because the SLI is funded in part by the Louisville Bar Foundation, tuition is only $250 per student and is due upon acceptance.
- Deadline to apply: Friday, April 24th, 2026
- To learn more and apply, please click HERE.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute‘s Debate Series
- What: Compete for a share of $50,000 in scholarship awards. This program emulates the style of presidential debates, moving beyond conventional formats to emphasize the practical communication skills that define great leaders: civility, personality, humor, and compelling storytelling.
- Where: various locations and online
- When: various dates March – June 2026
- Two interactive Q&A sessions with Debate Program National Finalists. Gain exclusive insights into mastering our unique presidential style of debate, and learn valuable preparation techniques directly from the experts:
- Session 1: February 25, 2026 3:00 PM PST – REGISTER HERE
- Session 2:March 30, 2026 3:00 PM PST – REGISTER HERE
- To learn more and reach links to register, please click HERE.
- 9th-12th GRADERS: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute‘s Great American Leadership Program (residential camp)
- What: The Great American Leadership Program for High School Students is a transformative, hands-on experience designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders. Set against the stunning backdrop of Malibu, California, this immersive program invites students to develop leadership skills, explore American values, and walk in the footsteps of President Ronald Reagan.
- Where: Hosted at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California
- When: Registration open now. 3 Sessions available: Session 1 is June 14-17, Session 2 is June 28-July1, Session 3 is July 13-16, 2026
- Cost: $2,499
- Learn more and register here.
- View other opportunities here.
- 6th-12th GRADERS: The Ronald Reagan Center for Leadership Development: Lead Like A President: 3 Pillars of Reagan Leadership (for High School or Middle School Students respectively)
- What: President Ronald Reagan exemplified effective leadership through his exceptional communication skills, pragmatic approach to complex situations and a clear vision for the future. This course will explore the real world ways President Reagan utilized these and other leadership characteristics in historic and real-world situations and give participants the opportunity to consider ways they can apply President Reagan’s strategies to enhance their own leadership experiences.
- Where: Online
- When: Self-paced
- Cost: $30
- Learn more and view this and other related courses here.
- Current 9th-11th GRADERS (25-26) / rising 10th-12th GRADERS (26-27): The Supreme Court and My Hometown (an immersive federal court program for greater Louisville-area high school students)
- Who: In partnership with the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky and the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.
- What: Students will explore the federal judiciary through the lens of Kentucky’s own John Marshall Harlan and the case Lochner v. New York (1905). Students will hear from expert speakers, join panel discussions with judges, attorneys, and other court staff, attend live court proceedings, and participate in group learning activities. The program finishes with a collaborative capstone project to educate the community on the impact of the case. (All participants receive Supreme Court gift bags!)
- Where & When: Orientation: August 3-4, 2026, 8:30-3:30 p.m. at the Gene Snyder U.S. Courthouse; after school sessions: Select Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law
- Cost: FREE!
- How to apply & deadline for application: Applications are due Monday, May 4th, 2026 at 5pm. One academic reference is required. More information can be viewed here. Applications can be accessed here.
- Rising 9th-12th GRADERS: University of Michigan’s The Joy of Coding Online Courses
- What: These online courses have been specially created by the University of Michigan Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students must have taken high school algebra and be able to commit 4-6 hours a week.
- When: Students may begin our courses any time after June 17, 2026, and complete them at their own pace by August 28, 2026.
- Deadline: Apply by May 31 for priority consideration.
- Cost: $149 + tax per course, need-based financial aid available
- Learn more and apply here.
- HLS ALUMNI IN COLLEGE: Crossings Camp Counselor Job
- What: Summer Missionary job for college students
- Where: Various locations throughout Kentucky and Maryland
- When: Summer months
- How: Learn more and apply here.
- Students considering a GAP YEAR PROGRAM after senior year: Impact 360 Fellows
- What: Not a year off. A year that changes everything. Take nine months to deepen your faith, grow as a disciple of Jesus, and prepare for college and beyond. Impact 360 Fellows is a Christian gap year program designed to help you develop a biblical worldview, build lifelong spiritual habits, and serve others—both locally and internationally—while earning college credit.
- Where: Pine Mountain, Georgia. Our state-of-the-art campus is surrounded by the natural beauty of Callaway Gardens resort and F. D. Roosevelt State Park, which provides students with access to numerous recreational activities, such as biking, tennis, golf, hiking, volleyball, and swimming.
- When: The application deadline for Fall consideration is October 12th.
- How: Complete the application HERE; learn more HERE.