<p>One summer my son applied for volunteering positions (in science related fields) not knowing how unbelievably competitive those were. After he learned his lessons he found some local science camps and just called and asked if they needed help from a high schooler. Surprising one of those programs offered him a “position”. He had a blast! The program was run by 2 college professors and grad students from a local university. The camp was very successful and they made a bit more money than expected so in the end they offered him some money for his work. Needless to say, he was asked numerous times by others how the heck he got that job! I am not say that is equal in prestige to one of the competitive programs but hey, he did what he loved AND he ended up getting some money too…
My advise to people that are rejected in volunteering positions is just get in the phone and call places that do not advertise.
For academic programs just go and get classes in the local CC, self study etc.</p>