I am a student in Roanoke, VA area. I am extremely interested in politics and history and wanted to find some summer opportunities regarding my interests. I have been exposed to several local science programs but have yet to hear about any history or political programs. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
Not sure how old you are but you will have more opportunities if you are at least 16.
This database has many summer programs:
I expect there are also volunteer opportunities to get involved in various local, state, and national elections this year.
For online classes you could check out providers like Coursera and Edx.
Have you reached out to any Roanoke College profs about potential opportunities volunteering/working with them?
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Work on a political campaign!
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Voter registration drives! This is an election year- there are no shortages of volunteer opportunities during this cycle.
In my town, you need to be 18 to become a registered elector (the people who knock on doors with the clipboard who can register voters and witness the paperwork). But city hall has tons of opportunities for volunteers to do data entry, work with the electors to figure out which neighborhoods to target.
Google “league of women voters” (you don’t need to be female) to see what volunteer positions are available. Presidential election years are filled with opportunities!
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Yes, even better, work on voter registration, especially in areas or populations where officials have selectively purged voter rolls and selectively attempted to impede voter access to the polls, whether in person or by mail or dropoff. And recruit others to do the same.
I’ve worked on voter registration in several different states where I’ve lived. It’s the best civics lesson in the world!
OP- you will see the workings of a democracy up close. SO MANY PEOPLE do not understand their rights! I’ve had people in my own neighborhood tell me that they can’t register to vote because they rent and don’t own their own home (incorrect); that they can’t register because they are unemployed (incorrect); that they can’t register because they have unpaid parking tickets and that “the city” will come after them if they register (unpaid parking tickets are indeed a problem, but have nothing to do with your registration status). People read about voter intimidation tactics and assume that whatever “strike” they think they have against them will allow the authorities to fine them, lock them up, whatever.
My kids worked on political campaigns starting in middle school. If you can turn on a computer and type, there will be meaningful work for you to do.
Good luck!
Maybe reach out to the O Winston Link Museum / Roanoke History Museum to see if they have summer jobs or volunteer opportunties. They may also have educational programs that you can partake in.
Some may not be directly related but you’d still be there and have opportunities to learn - and maybe develop into a docent, etc.
You can also check the Harrison Museum of African American Culture for programs or volunteer opportunities, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation - if the history of vehicles interests you.
This is in addition to your opportunities above from others.
There is a big election coming up. Look for opportunities to volunteer for a candidate (local or national), a voter registration organization, etc.
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Local politicians in my county have volunteer and internship opportunities for HS students. I would start there.
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Working on voter registration in marginalized communities is very meaningful work, and could form the basis of a fantastic college application essay. Even if the student is not yet 18, they could partner with a person who is 18 and canvass together, or staff voter registration tables at local supermarkets, bodegas, pharmacies, anywhere that people tend to go frequently.
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