HandsOn Tomorrow is a volunteering enrichment program aimed at developing high school students’ community engagement, communication, and project management skills. During this 2-week summer program, students experience up to 40 volunteer hours doing purpose-driven work with local organizations; focus areas may include houselessness, environmental conservation, food insecurity, etc. In addition to on-the-ground experience and team-based workshops, HandsOn Tomorrow will provide students the resources to confidently produce their own service event from scratch!

2025 will offer 1 cohort in Palo Alto from July 14-25th.

HandsOn Tomorrow participants will:

• Earn up to 40 volunteer hours for college applications or the PVSA Award

• Develop project management skills, participate in community outreach, and get acquainted with agencies that directly benefit your communities

• Encourage the future generation to tackle current issues, such as: hunger, houselessness, and the environment.

• Engage in peer-oriented exercises that fosters a team-based environment.

• A perfect environment to network and mingle with like-minded teens.

• Students gain independence and real-world experience at a variety of nonprofits, parks, and schools, in a short amount of time.

2024 HandsOn Tomorrow Project Example

In the 2024 Palo Alto Cohort, students partnered with East Palo Alto’s Ecumenical Hunger Program to support their Food Bank and Clothing Closet initiatives. Students assembled 130 produce boxes and 220 dry-good boxes that were directly distributed to the community; additionally, they sorted an x-large cart of newly donated baby clothes. Through hands-on involvement, curriculum, and educational activities, students gained a deeper understanding of food insecurity in the South Bay.

Cost

The enrollment fee is $1,075 per person, with need-based scholarships available. If you indicate a need on your application, you’ll be automatically directed to the scholarship form. The full payment is due by May 8th, and refund details are in the FAQ

Please note: To reserve your student’s spot, a non-refundable $350 deposit is required when you submit the application. This deposit will be emailed to the parent/guardian after two business days (unless a scholarship is requested). The remaining $725 enrollment fee will be billed after the deposit is paid and is due by May 8th.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring the next generation of Bay Area leaders? Check out sponsorship opportunities here! 

HandsOn Tomorrow is made possible by generous contributions from LifeScan Inc.

Participating in HandsOn Tomorrow has exposed me to not only leadership opportunities and volunteering experience, but also some of society's greatest social issues. Working towards these issues has greatly altered my perspective on societal contribution and purpose.

Matt Lai
HandsOn Tomorrow
Alumni 2015

It's super important for young people to get involved in their community and start making a difference because no one is going to do it unless you step forward.

Anushka Joshi
HandsOn Tomorrow
Palo Alto Team 2016

Young people need to be prepared when they go out into the real world. I would recommend HandsOn Tomorrow highly to any high school student thinking of doing volunteer work and getting exposure to life outside their own world.

Sujata Joshi
HandsOn Tomorrow Parent
Palo Alto Team 2016

My time at HandsOn Tomorrow opened me up to so many problems that I didn't know the Bay Area was facing and made me feel a responsibility and passion for making change in my community. As a part of the YVC, I would like to foster empathy and education in communities around me so that stigmas can be cleared around prevalent issues in the Bay Area.

Calli McCormack
HandsOn Tomorrow Alumni
San Francisco Cohort 2023