From Service Day to Service Mindset: Helping Your Student Find Their Volunteer Match

January 22, 2026

This year marks 40 years since Martin Luther King (MLK) Day was first observed as a federal holiday. Today, MLK Day is recognized on the third Monday in January as a National Day of Service to celebrate the civil rights leader’s legacy and dedication to service and advocacy.

At PA Cyber, students, family members, and staff support their communities each year through a united statewide effort to honor Dr. King’s legacy. From donating meals and supplies to volunteering their time at organizations across the Commonwealth, students come together that week to give back and take part in lessons that extend beyond the classroom.

“We’re committed to providing a dynamic educational experience and delivering innovative teaching in a culture of caring,” said PA Cyber CEO Brian Hayden. “As Dr. King famously said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

On MLK National Day of Service – and throughout the year – there are many opportunities to help your student find meaningful ways to give back, whether for a few hours, a dedicated day, or part of an ongoing commitment.

In addition to creating a lasting impact by supporting those in need, volunteering builds empathy, leadership skills, and community connection, and can also help students discover their passions and values.

How to Find the Right Volunteer Match for Your Student

Start with their interests and strengths.

• Does your student love animals? Working with younger kids? The environment? Being outdoors?
• Consider their personality: Are they outgoing or more reserved? Do they enjoy being hands-on or more behind-the-scenes?
• Do they thrive working on their own or in a group?

What are your student’s goals?

• Is this a one-time service project or are they looking for an ongoing commitment?
• Does your student need to meet National Honor Society hours requirements?
• Are they looking to enhance certain skills or meet new people?

Discuss as a family.

• Talk about causes and issues that matter to your household
• What type of time commitment can you make?
• Consider opportunities where siblings or the whole family can participate

Getting Started

There are numerous organizations and websites that help match volunteers with opportunities:

• Local United Way chapters can also connect volunteers to organizations in your community that need assistance
• The National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society offer a list of cause-related organizations that can serve as a starting point
• Idealist lets volunteers search a database of opportunities, including one-day volunteer events
• TeenLife helps match students in grades 7-12 with volunteer opportunities

PA Cyber Charter School students don’t have to look far to find service opportunities. For example, the Leaders of Tomorrow Club (for middle schoolers) and Club Hope (for high schoolers) have a focused volunteer component. Many students find that these and other PA Cyber clubs offer built-in community, social connection, and leadership development in a familiar setting.

Whether it’s a single day of service or a deeper commitment, you can help your student connect with their community in ways that feel authentic to them and help build lifelong skills.

For more on PA Cyber’s clubs and workshops, visit pacyber.org/clubs-and-workshops.

To learn about the National Honor Society volunteer hours requirements, contact the school's club advisor.