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52 opportunities
Morristown & Morris Township Library — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteering at the Morristown and Morris Township Library, open to teens aged 13 to 18, or students in grades 7 through 12. Fill out the online application on the library's teen volunteers page. If you cannot complete it online, stop by the Children's Department desk and use one of their computers. The Teen Librarian contacts applicants as opportunities come up, in the order applications were received.
Wayne Animal Shelter
The municipal animal shelter in Wayne. Volunteer roles include shelter and foster care giver, adoption counselor, adoption follow-up counselor, fundraising and publicity, and office and clerical support — so there are options whether or not you want hands-on animal work. Complete the volunteer application and submit it in person at the shelter. The shelter does not publish a minimum volunteer age, so ask when you drop off your application.
Sussex County Library System — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteering across all six Sussex County Library branches: the Main Library in Frankford, Dennis Branch in Newton, Dorothy Henry Branch in Vernon, Franklin Branch, Louise Childs Branch in Stanhope, and Sussex-Wantage Branch in Wantage. Teens help most heavily with the summer reading program. Open to ages 14 to 17. Everyone under 18 needs a signed Parental Consent Form. Review the volunteer policy, complete the volunteer interest application, and submit the consent form — both are downloadable from the library's volunteer page.
RWJ University Hospital Hamilton — Teen Volunteers
A seven-week summer program for students aged 16 and older in grades 10 through 12, running early July through late August. Volunteers commit to two four-hour weekday shifts for the duration. The application process runs interest form, interview, full application with references and medical clearance, online orientation, then in-person orientation. Uniform and full vaccination are required, and mobile devices are not allowed during shifts. Applications are currently closed. The hospital asks applicants to check back in February 2027 for the summer 2027 program. Note that they do not offer internships or shadowing, and will not send applications at a parent's request — the student must apply.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital — Teen Volunteers, New Brunswick
Teen volunteers greet and direct visitors and support patients on nursing floors. Open to ages 15 to 18 who have completed ninth grade. Shifts run weekday evenings — 4 to 6pm for ages 15 and up, 6 to 8pm for 16 and up — plus mornings, afternoons, and evenings seven days a week. The commitment is substantial: a minimum of 100 hours of service per year, ideally 2 to 3 hours weekly. Requirements include medical clearance with TB screening, immunization verification, a free urine drug screen, and full vaccination. To start, email the Volunteer Director with your name, high school, and current grade.
Capital Health — Junior Volunteers
Junior volunteering for students aged 15 and older, in three formats: a seven-week summer program in July and August, twelve-week seasonal programs, and a year-round program running September through June. The summer program requires a minimum commitment of 56 hours. All volunteers must provide immunization records — MMR, chickenpox, tuberculosis screening, hepatitis B, and a flu shot where applicable. Apply through the online volunteer portal.
Inspira Health — Elmer
Volunteering at Inspira's Elmer medical center in Salem County. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Salem County has very few organizations running formal teen volunteer programs, so this is one of the more structured options available locally. Apply through the Volgistics portal linked from Inspira's volunteering page and call the coordinator to confirm openings.
Inspira Health — Mullica Hill
Volunteering at Inspira's Mullica Hill medical center, which also coordinates volunteers for the Woodbury location. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Apply through the Volgistics volunteer portal linked from Inspira's volunteering page, then contact the volunteer coordinator for Mullica Hill, Elmer, and Woodbury.
Inspira Health — Vineland
Volunteering at Inspira's Vineland medical center. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Apply through the Volgistics volunteer portal linked from Inspira's volunteering page, then contact the Vineland volunteer coordinator. Inspira is one of the few hospital systems with a real presence in Cumberland and Salem counties, so it is worth calling even if the portal shows nothing open.
AtlantiCare — Junior Volunteers
AtlantiCare's junior volunteer program takes students aged 13 to 17 — one of the lower age minimums for hospital volunteering in the state. Junior volunteers work as greeters, help with clerical tasks, and assist with patient activities. AtlantiCare runs several campuses across Atlantic County. Contact the volunteer office to ask which locations have openings and what the current application cycle looks like.
Essex County Environmental Center
The county's environmental education center in Roseland, on the Passaic River. Volunteers support environmental education programming, trail and grounds work, and seasonal public events. The Center does not publish a minimum volunteer age or a standing application form — call to ask what help they currently need and whether they take volunteers your age.
Livingston Public Library — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteering at the Livingston Public Library, open to students in grades 6 through 12. The library does not publish a full list of roles or an online application on its teen page — call the library to ask what is currently available and how to apply.
Franklin Township Public Library — Teen Action Group
TAG members create social media content, decorate the Young Adult Room, make bookmarks, write letters to seniors and soldiers, help plan programs, and do clerical work like shelf organization. Open to students aged 12 to 17 who live in Franklin Township and hold an active juvenile library card. You need acceptance from the Teen Librarian before submitting volunteer work. Applications close for the year and reopen each September — call the Reference Desk to check the current cycle.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County
Supports children and teens in grades K through 12 with programming, mentorship, and enrichment. Volunteering can be as simple as reading a book with a kindergartener, talking with a middle schooler about handling peer pressure, or helping a high school senior with a college essay. You can help on a one-time basis or regularly, and extra opportunities open up around holidays and special events. The Club does not publish a minimum volunteer age — call to ask which roles are open to your age.
Cumberland County Library — Teen Volunteers
The county library in Bridgeton runs a teen volunteer program with regular teen volunteer meetings. Cumberland County has very few organizations publishing formal teen volunteer programs, so this is one of the more reliable options in the area. The library does not publish age requirements or an online application — call to ask what is available and whether you qualify.
Ocean County Library — Teen Volunteers
Several ways to volunteer, for teens aged 12 to 18. The Teen Advisory Board helps plan library programs and gives input on teen services. Adopt a Shelf keeps a section organized. Teen Book & Media Reviewer means writing reviews of YA books, music, video games, or movies. Virtual volunteering options vary by branch. There is also S.A.I.L., a summer program for students entering 8th grade. Apply through the OCL Teen Application on the library's website.
Virtua Health — Junior Volunteers, Mount Holly
Virtua's Junior Volunteer program is open to students aged 14 to 18. There is a track specifically for students interested in nursing careers, with rotating assignments on patient care floors including the Emergency Department, Critical Care, and Maternal Child Health. Apply through Virtua's volunteer portal. A coordinator reviews the application with you and matches an assignment to your interests, then you attend orientation and receive department training before starting.
Burlington County Library System — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteers help with special events, craft preparation, inventory projects, and shelving. The library frames it as job training — you build customer service experience that transfers to paid work later. Open to ages 13 to 17. Apply through the online webform, which asks for your information, a guardian's information, your availability, and references. Applications are currently being accepted at the Cinnaminson, Maple Shade, Pemberton, Pinelands, and Riverton branches only.
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteering at the Livingston hospital, open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors aged 15 to 18. Read this before applying: the program requires a full year commitment or longer, and there are no summer-only placements. If you want summer hours only, this is not the right program. To apply you call the Volunteer Resources Department for a brief phone interview and to be added to the waiting list — allow 2 to 3 business days for a return call.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo — VolunTEEN Program
VolunTEENs assist camp counselors with the Zoo's summer camp — preparing for daily sessions, helping campers with activities, and keeping groups together and safe on Zoo grounds. It is a good way to learn about the animals while earning hours. You must be at least 14, or entering grade 9 in the fall. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are welcome. You must commit to at least one full week over the summer, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm each day. The separate Docent program runs its own application cycle and the current class is closed.
The Hoboken Shelter
Volunteers help prepare and serve lunch and dinner to guests in the shelter's kitchen, working shifts throughout the day. This is one of the more teen-friendly shelters in the state: students 18 and under are welcome to help cook and serve, and only those 14 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Email or call to reserve a shift. Groups of six or more should email the volunteer coordinator directly.
Ocean County Historical Society
Volunteer roles at the museum and research center in Toms River: docent and tour guide, research center assistant, museum collections, imaging, public relations, gardens and grounds, administrative support, publications, and development. Request an application by phone or email, download it from the website, or apply online. The Society does not publish a minimum volunteer age — ask when you request the application.
Fulfill — Neptune
Fulfill's main Monmouth County facility. Volunteers sort and pack donated food, support office and mailing work, help with tax return assistance, and distribute food at mobile pantries across the county. Volunteers must be 13 or older; younger students can organize food drives instead. Complete an application and attend the mandatory virtual orientation on the first Thursday of the month, 5:30 to 6:30pm.
Fulfill — B.E.A.T. Center, Toms River
The Ocean County home of Fulfill, the food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. Volunteers sort and pack donations, help with mailings and office work, and distribute food at mobile pantries and partner feeding programs. Volunteers must be 13 or older. Anyone younger can still help by organizing a food drive. Individual volunteers complete an application and attend a mandatory virtual orientation, held the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Groups of five or more should contact the Community Engagement Specialist instead.
Salem County Humane Society
A no-kill shelter for homeless dogs and cats in Carneys Point, staffed entirely by volunteers — there is no paid staff, so volunteers do everything. Salem County has very few organizations running formal teen volunteer programs, and this shelter does not publish a minimum age or an online application. Email or call first to ask whether they take volunteers your age and what help they currently need. Visits are by appointment only.
Monmouth County SPCA
The Eatontown animal shelter. Be aware of the age rule before you apply: all volunteers working at the shelter must be at least 18 years old, with no exceptions. Students under 18 are pointed to the Junior Volunteer Guide instead, which covers hosting fundraisers and donation drives in your own community rather than working on site with the animals. That still earns service hours at most schools, but it is not shelter work. Adult volunteering requires orientation (held every two months), a $100 volunteer fee, a background check, a shelter tour and training, and 16 hours of basic shelter work.
Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic
Youth programming across Paterson and Passaic — academic help, tutoring, SAT prep, sports, and swimming. Volunteers support these programs and work directly with younger kids. Contact the volunteer coordinator to ask which roles are open and what the age requirement is for each, since it varies by program.
Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
The county animal shelter in Cape May Court House. Volunteers help seven days a week with kennel cleaning, cat cage cleaning, and kitchen sanitizing, between 8:30am and 4:00pm. The shelter asks for a commitment of at least 3 to 4 hours a week. A New Volunteer Orientation is mandatory and is held on Wednesdays at the County Administration Building in the Crest Haven Complex. The shelter does not publish a minimum volunteer age — email or call before attending orientation to confirm you are eligible.
Warren County Library — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteers help Youth Services staff run the Summer Reading Program: maintaining the space, prepping for programs, creating displays, cleaning and organizing the children's play areas, and checking in summer reading logs. Print the volunteer application and drop it off at any library location. Staff will contact you to set up a volunteer orientation. The library does not publish a minimum age for teen volunteers — ask when you drop off your application.
Middlesex Public Library — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteering at the Middlesex Public Library. Apply through the library's online volunteer form and review their Volunteer Rules and Expectations document first. The library does not publish age or grade requirements or a list of specific roles on its teen page — email Kaila Ward directly to ask what is available and whether you qualify before applying.
Bergen County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
The county animal shelter in Teterboro. Volunteers walk dogs and socialize cats, which improves the animals' quality of life in the shelter and helps them build the behaviors they need to be adopted. No prior experience is required. The shelter does not publish a minimum volunteer age — email or call before applying to confirm whether they take volunteers your age.
Somerset County Library System — Teen Volunteers
Summer teen volunteering across the Somerset County Library System, for teens entering grades 9 through 12. Applications open April 1 and close April 30 at 9pm. Training runs in May, and volunteering runs from June to late August. Applicants are contacted within two weeks about their status — submitting an application does not guarantee a placement.
Hamilton Area YMCA — Youth Volunteer Connection
A Mercer County clearinghouse that gathers volunteer opportunities for youth aged 13 to 17 into one place, so you can search rather than cold-calling organizations one at a time. Listed partners include the YMCA itself, West Windsor Arts Council, Farmers Against Hunger, Habitat for Humanity, the NJ State Museum, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Each opportunity links through to the host organization's own application.
Gloucester County Library System — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteering across six branches: Clayton, Glassboro, Greenwich Township, Logan Township, Mullica Hill, and Swedesboro. Open to ages 12 to 17, with a minimum ten-hour commitment and a regular schedule. Pick up a teen volunteer application at the Circulation Desk of your local branch and return it there. Staff then contact you to schedule new volunteer training before you start booking hours.
Hunterdon County Library — Teen Volunteers
Four different ways to volunteer, for ages 13 to 18. Regular volunteers hold a weekly one-hour shift at Headquarters in Flemington or the North County Branch in Clinton, maintaining the space and prepping materials for programs. Reading Buddies pairs you with a K-3 student over four weeks to practice reading. The Teen Advisory Board meets monthly during the school year to lead programs and build displays. Special event volunteers help with check-in, craft tables, setup, and cleanup. Applications for school-year shifts run September 8 through October 2.
Animal Welfare Association
A Voorhees animal shelter where volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats and small animals, build enrichment toys, help with animal care, and staff community outreach events, pet food pantries, and pet therapy programs. Regular volunteering starts at age 16. There is also a Jr. Volunteer program for ages 12 to 15, where a parent or legal guardian must be present at all times. Fill in the adult or junior application through their volunteer portal — the coordinator contacts applicants within two weeks to schedule orientation.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
A no-kill animal shelter in East Hanover with one of the few volunteer programs in the state that takes volunteers well under 16. Roles include cat companion, shelter helper, kennel attendant, dog walker, and outreach assistant. The shelter runs a Junior Volunteer track for younger teens alongside regular volunteering for ages 16 and up; some roles require a parent or guardian to accompany you. Call or email to confirm which roles are open to your age before applying.
Glen Rock Public Library — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteers here take on book reviewing and blogging, shelf reading, and homework tutoring, plus a Summer Volunteer Program and the Teen Advisory Board. Open to Glen Rock students in grades 6 through 12. Complete the GRPL Teen Volunteer Application, then sign up for the specific activities you want.
Union Public Library — VolunTeens
The Union Public Library's teen volunteering program. Teens support library services including shelving, children's programs, and community events, in a structured and social environment. Open only to teens entering 7th through 12th grade who live in or attend school in the Township of Union. Orientations run quarterly — January, April, late June/early July, and late September/early October. Submit the VolunTeens Interest Form and you will be emailed the next orientation date. The volunteer year runs from late June through mid-June.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey — Egg Harbor Township
The southern New Jersey branch of the state's largest food bank. Volunteers here focus on pantry assistance and stocking shelves for families collecting food. All volunteers must be 12 or older, and volunteers aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Shifts are booked in advance through the volunteer portal — walk-ins are not accepted.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey — Garfield
The Garfield location of New Jersey's largest food bank. Volunteers help with shelving and checkout support at the community food pantry here, rather than the warehouse sorting done in Hillside. All volunteers must be 12 or older, and volunteers aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Book a shift in advance through the volunteer portal — walk-ins are not accepted.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey — Hillside
New Jersey's largest food bank. At the Hillside warehouse volunteers sort and repack donated food, assemble emergency food boxes, package bulk products, and help with office tasks. All volunteers must be 12 or older. Volunteers aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Shifts must be booked in advance through the volunteer portal — walk-ins are not accepted, and every person needs their own registration slot.
Winter4Kids
A nonprofit at the National Winter Activity Center in Vernon that gives kids who would never otherwise get the chance access to alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and biathlon. Volunteers work across facility operations, programming, and coaching. First Tracks Instructors deliver the on-snow curriculum, setting up outdoor "classrooms" and leading children through games and activities while teaching technique. Anyone in an on-snow role must be a fully experienced skier or rider and bring their own equipment; there are also off-snow roles. Winter4Kids does not publish a minimum volunteer age — call or email before applying to confirm you are eligible.
Toni's Kitchen
A food ministry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church serving Montclair. Volunteers help with food prep, serving meals, packing healthy food bags, and assisting at Toni's Closet. Shifts run during the week and on weekends, and regular shifts are open to high school students and adults. Walk-in volunteers are not accepted — register through the volunteer portal and pick a shift first.
Montclair Public Library — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteers help at the Main Library and the Bellevue Avenue branch. The library also runs monthly volunteer sessions from 4 to 6 p.m. that are open to teens across the Montclair area, and a Teen Volunteer Book Lists project that earns volunteer credit. Open to students in grades 7 through 12 who live or attend school in Montclair. The general Teen Volunteer Application and the Teen Advisory Board are both currently closed, but the monthly sessions and book list project still offer hours — email Youth Services to ask what is open.
Associated Humane Societies — Newark Shelter
Newark's animal shelter on Evergreen Avenue. Volunteering on the shelter floor with the animals requires you to be 18 or older, but there is a junior volunteer track for those 17 and under that does not involve handling animals directly. Call or email first to ask which junior roles are currently open before filling out an application.
Bloomfield Public Library — Teen Volunteers
Teen volunteers straighten shelves, pack materials being sent to other libraries, and provide computer assistance to patrons. Open to students in grade 9 and up. Volunteers must be Bloomfield residents. You complete an application and meet with the Volunteer Services director before being accepted, and a parent or guardian signs a consent form. The program is popular — if no openings exist you can still apply and be kept on file.
Jersey Cares — Teen Service Events
Teen service events for ages 14 to 18 at the Jersey Cares office in Livingston. Volunteers complete a creative component, pack a kit that is donated to a local nonprofit partner, and take part in a round-table discussion about the project's impact. Jersey Cares also runs volunteer projects across New Jersey year-round through their opportunity calendar, many of which are open to ages 12 and up with adult supervision.
Clara Maass Medical Center
Teen volunteers at this Belleville hospital answer phones, assemble patient information folders, escort patients to and from physical and occupational therapy, guide same-day procedure patients to their areas, and act as a liaison between the recovery room and the family waiting room. Volunteers can also support seniors through the Hospital Elder Life Program. Most volunteers give at least 3 to 4 hours a week. You complete a teen application along with health and background screening forms, then interview with Volunteer Services.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark
Help build and repair homes alongside a construction foreman and site supervisor — painting, framing, insulating, hanging sheetrock, installing flooring, and landscaping. The minimum commitment is a single day, and you pick your dates from the volunteer calendar. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 may not use power tools and must be accompanied by an adult. A parental consent form is required for anyone under 18.
Newark Public Library
Volunteers support the Main Library and neighborhood branches as homework helpers, literacy and computer tutors, English conversation partners for new Americans, activity assistants, and event help. Teens can earn up to 18 community service hours over the summer by helping students in grades K-3 practice their reading. Contact the Development Department to set up an appointment.
Greater Newark Conservancy
Urban farming and environmental education in Newark. Volunteers join seasonal farm and garden workdays, prep and maintain community garden plots, pack and distribute CSA boxes, and help at markets, festivals, and family days. No gardening experience is necessary — staff train you on site. Monthly open volunteer days run at the Urban Environmental Center, Court Street Farm, and Hawthorne Avenue Farm starting in April.