Getting teenagers passionate about having a significant impact on the world can be a task, but it is an easier undertaking 
than we might think at first glance. Young people are no different than adults–we want to have purpose and we want to live in a world that is constantly improving. And we aren’t resistant to getting involved to make that happen.
buildOn is a non-profit organization working with urban high schoolers through empowering in-class and after-school programs, creating avenues for community service work within the students’ cities and neighborhoods. The WOW factor is when buildOn does it’s programs where these same high school students build schools and bring literacy to children and adults in developing countries around the world. Since 1992, buildOn volunteer students have helped build 332 schools in rural regions in Haiti, Malawi, Mali, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Senegal. There is an incredible side effect of empowering these city kids…97% of participating student volunteers have gone on to college.
97%!
That is not predictable or even rational to expect in any school district, and even less so, statistically, from urban schools.
Can you imagine the incredible world being generated by kids who would spend a spring break, summer vacation, or senior trip opportunity opening the galaxy of learning to others? I want to be part of that world.
Think about encouraging your family to dive in, supporting with a donation, or setting up your own “Ambassador Trek” that allows any age volunteers to participate. The link is here to get involved.
Change by Doing 
Posted by Carrie Slater on February 25, 2010 at 3:42 PM
Thank you so much for bringing attention to buildOn! It’s my absoulte favorite organization. I’ve been on a Trek with them to Mali and it was one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my life.