Teenagers Volunteer at Double the Rate of Adults, Government Study Finds

An estimated 15.5 million teenagers, or 55 percent of young Americans, volunteered last year through religious organizations, youth-leadership groups, schools, or other organizations, a new government report says. That is nearly double the share of adults who volunteer.

The report, “Youth Helping America — Building Active Citizens: The Role of Social Institutions in Teen Volunteering,” was released by the first lady, Laura Bush.

It was based on a survey that was conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service with help from the U.S. Census Bureau and Independent Sector, a Washington coalition of 600 charities and foundations.

“This study suggests that the 9/11 generation may offer the antidote to declining levels of civic participation in our country,” said David Eisner, chief executive of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

According to the report, approximately 10.6 million, or 38 percent, of young people ages 12 to 18 have engaged in community service as part of a school activity. Only 5 percent of teenagers attributed their volunteer activities to a school requirement.

Teenagers tend to serve fewer hours and with less regularity than their adult counterparts, the report said.

For example, the typical youth volunteer contributes 29 hours of service each year compared with 52 hours for adults.

“Our past research shows that adults are twice as likely to volunteer if they began participating when they were teens,” said Diana Aviv, president of Independent Sector.

“We are delighted to find that teenagers are now volunteering at higher rates than adults,” she said, “and we hope charitable organizations will find ways to engage teenagers in their work.”

In addition to gathering information on volunteering by teenagers, the study looked at young people’s religious activities, academic achievements, family relationships, and ties to community groups.

To read the report, go to the Web site of the Corporation for National and Community Service, http://www.nationalservice.gov.