Helping Kids Grow Through Volunteering at National Heritage Academies
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
-
How NHA Schools Help Urban Students Close Achievement Gaps
Published: Oct 09, 2025
-
From Music Teacher to Leader: Celebrating Wendy Barajas’ 27 Years with NHA
Published: Oct 02, 2025
-
Living Out Wisdom: A Strong Start to Moral Focus™ This Year
Published: Sep 25, 2025
-
How National Heritage Academies Schools Waste No Time for a Strong Start to the Year
Published: Sep 18, 2025
At National Heritage Academies (NHA®), we believe kids should learn more than reading and math. They also learn how to be kind, responsible, and helpful members of their community. These are some of the Moral Focus™ virtues that students learn as part of the NHA curriculum. One of the best ways to teach that is through volunteering.
In our K-8 schools, students take part in service projects for kids like food drives, writing cards to local heroes, and helping clean up their school or neighborhood. Colby Tein, a Moral Focus™ Specialist at NHA, says these projects teach students that even small actions can make a big difference, “Service activities allow students to be intentional in using words and actions that show positive regard for others and empower those in need. It teaches them the value of integrity through responsibility and follow-through.”
But they aren’t just volunteering, there are also being mentored by older students. NHA high school students love returning to their K-8 schools to help at events. Some of their favorites are Move Up Night, and math and literacy events.
Community service is a required part of the curriculum for high school students. They must complete 60 hours of volunteering by the time they graduate. This helps them connect with causes they care about and build real-life skills like leadership, teamwork, and compassion.
“Great communities don’t just happen, they’re built by people who notice needs and take action,” says Koree Woodward, National Heritage Academies Director of High Schools, “At NHA, we believe student volunteering is more than a requirement; it’s a meaningful way for students to connect with their passions, give back, and grow as leaders. Through service, students bring Moral Focus virtues like compassion, gratitude, encouragement, and integrity to life. It’s how they learn to not only contribute to their communities, but also to inspire others to do the same.”
When kids volunteer, they learn how to care for others, work hard, and be positive role models. And families can get involved too! Many NHA schools offer family volunteer opportunities so parents can join in the fun and make memories while giving back.
If you're looking for community service projects or volunteering opportunities for kids, check with your child’s school. At NHA, we’re dedicated to helping students grow into caring, confident leaders.
Want to learn more about how your child can get involved in volunteering? Reach out to your NHA school to see what service projects are coming up!
In our K-8 schools, students take part in service projects for kids like food drives, writing cards to local heroes, and helping clean up their school or neighborhood. Colby Tein, a Moral Focus™ Specialist at NHA, says these projects teach students that even small actions can make a big difference, “Service activities allow students to be intentional in using words and actions that show positive regard for others and empower those in need. It teaches them the value of integrity through responsibility and follow-through.”
But they aren’t just volunteering, there are also being mentored by older students. NHA high school students love returning to their K-8 schools to help at events. Some of their favorites are Move Up Night, and math and literacy events.
Community service is a required part of the curriculum for high school students. They must complete 60 hours of volunteering by the time they graduate. This helps them connect with causes they care about and build real-life skills like leadership, teamwork, and compassion.
“Great communities don’t just happen, they’re built by people who notice needs and take action,” says Koree Woodward, National Heritage Academies Director of High Schools, “At NHA, we believe student volunteering is more than a requirement; it’s a meaningful way for students to connect with their passions, give back, and grow as leaders. Through service, students bring Moral Focus virtues like compassion, gratitude, encouragement, and integrity to life. It’s how they learn to not only contribute to their communities, but also to inspire others to do the same.”
When kids volunteer, they learn how to care for others, work hard, and be positive role models. And families can get involved too! Many NHA schools offer family volunteer opportunities so parents can join in the fun and make memories while giving back.
If you're looking for community service projects or volunteering opportunities for kids, check with your child’s school. At NHA, we’re dedicated to helping students grow into caring, confident leaders.
Want to learn more about how your child can get involved in volunteering? Reach out to your NHA school to see what service projects are coming up!