Teen leadership boards offer young people valuable opportunities to develop essential life skills while making a positive impact on our community. By participating in these boards, teens gain hands-on experience in leadership roles, allowing them to build confidence and learn how to manage responsibilities, organize events and work with others toward common goals. These opportunities help build valuable soft skills employers are looking for and prepare teens for their future in school, work and life.
“When you spend time volunteering, you see the world differently,” explained Addie Page, a local teen who volunteered at Infant Crisis Services. “Volunteering helps you think about how you can help others, instead of jumping to judge or criticize. And it’s fun and makes you feel good!”
In addition to skill-building, teen leadership boards give young people a voice in their communities. Members often help plan programs, provide feedback on youth-related issues and represent their peers, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Being part of a teen leadership board also encourages civic engagement and inspires students to take active roles in shaping a better future.
“Through volunteering, I learned there are so many people in the community who are looking for help but maybe don’t know how to access it,” said Stella Shupe, a recent graduate who served on the Palomar Teen Board, now headed to college in the fall. “That’s why it’s so important to get the word out about all the wonderful non-profits we have in our community.”
Shupe said she gained valuable experience in a professional setting, which helped her determine a career path.
“Pushing yourself to try new things and connect with new people can lead to unexpected growth and opportunities. You never know how one experience might change your future like it did for me!” she shared.
Teen leadership board opportunities in the Oklahoma City metro:
- Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Teen Board makes meaningful connections with Oklahomans, sharing about Oklahoma’s history and people. Board members also plan an annual fundraiser for the museum’s free field trip program.
- Members of the teen board at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum help advance the museum’s mission and learn valuable leadership skills. High school students in grades 9th through 12th are eligible.
- Wings Special Needs Community’s teen board hosts a monthly event for adults with developmental disabilities. Interested high school students should email sarah.winters@wingsok.org.
- Children’s Health Foundation’s teen board members raise awareness about the foundation and host fundraising events throughout the year.
- Palomar’s Teen Board helps educate the community about domestic violence and the services offered at Palomar. Students 16 and up can serve for up to three years.
- YMCA Teen Leadership Council is open to students in 6th through 12th grade. Members participate in service projects and learn about how to run a successful community campaign.
- Citizens Caring for Children teen board members help children in foster care while learning about leadership, fundraising and service.
- Teens have two options to get involved at Infant Crisis Services – a Teen Associate Board and a Summer Teen Program. Students help plan the annual Baby Steps 5K and more.
- Teens can volunteer at Metropolitan Libraries in a variety of ways, including as a school liaison, content creator, influencer and more.
- ReMerge, a local pre-trial diversion program serving high-risk, high-need mothers, has recently launched a teen board. High school students will serve justice-involved mothers, conducting service projects and advocating through fundraising initiatives.
- The Teen Service Board at Homeless Alliance is a leadership program for high school juniors and seniors that combines hands-on volunteer work, education, and advocacy to address homelessness in central Oklahoma.
Know about a teen board or volunteer opportunity not listed here? Please share the details with us at info@metrofamilymagazine.com.
