How nonprofits can maximize the benefits of youth service

In a time of rapid change, young people are exploring new possibilities for their futures, their communities, and the impact they can have on the world around them. New research from The Allstate Foundation and Gallup offers insight into how youth community service (referred to here as youth service) contributes to young people’s development—and why it matters for nonprofits.

Based on a national survey of more than 3,000 young people ages 12 to 25, The Power of Youth Service report finds that when youth service programs are designed well, they support career readiness, connection, and resilience. For nonprofits, the data highlights how youth service can introduce young people to real community needs and build longer‑term relationships with causes and organizations.

Youth service supports young people’s development

Eighty-two percent of young people reported participating in some form of service, and participation is associated with stronger outcomes across several key areas of youth development:

Career readiness:

• Fifty-two percent of survey respondents said youth service positively impacted how prepared they feel for a future career.
• Those who participate in youth service are more likely to know what kind of career they want (46% vs. 32%), feel confident they can attain it (48% vs. 33%), and have mentors who can help them reach their goals (55% vs. 43%).

Connection and belonging:

• Seventy-nine percent of young people said service positively impacts how connected they feel to their community.
• Young people with service experience are more likely to report a sense of belonging than youth without service experience (74% vs. 56%).

Resilience:

• Young people with service experience are more likely to say they can handle whatever comes their way (66% vs. 52%).
• They also report higher confidence in meeting goals (52% vs. 35%) and persevering through challenges (60% vs. 43%), skills that matter well beyond adolescence.

These findings are largely consistent with research The Allstate Foundation conducted in 2024, suggesting that the developmental benefits of youth service are holding steady. In areas related to career readiness and connection, the data suggests benefits increase with greater and more varied involvement in service.

Youth-led service multiplies benefits

These effects are multiplied when youth lead service experiences. Youth‑led service refers to service programs in which young people do more than participate—helping identify community needs, shaping solutions, making decisions, and leading implementation, with adults serving as partners rather than directors.

The data suggests this added element of leadership amplifies the developmental benefits of youth service overall. Young people who have participated in youth‑led service are more likely than youth with only non-youth-led service experiences to report confidence in attaining the career they want (50% vs. 34%). They’re also more likely to express pride in who they’re becoming (77% vs. 63%).

How program design shapes youth service outcomes

While youth service broadly delivers positive developmental outcomes, the research shows how nonprofits design service programs matter.

Programs that expose young people to different roles within an organization, connect service to real community needs, or allow them to work alongside staff, volunteers, or community partners can create more meaningful experiences that lead to stronger outcomes. When nonprofits build opportunities for learning, reflection, and relationship building, service can play an even greater role in helping young people imagine and prepare for what comes next. Design choices around responsibility and leadership are especially impactful.

How nonprofits can design youth service programs with big impact

The research offers insight into how youth service programs can be structured for greater impact, not only for young people but also for organizations seeking deeper engagement and long‑term effectiveness:

1. Designing youth service as a pathway rather than a single event: Developmental outcomes grow with increased participation, duration, and variety of service experiences, suggesting sustained opportunities allow young people to build skills, confidence, and a clearer sense of purpose over time. For nonprofits, this means offering multiple entry points and progression, rather than isolated events.
2. Creating space for youth leadership: Programs that give young people real responsibility, whether that’s shaping projects, making decisions, or leading peers, are linked to stronger outcomes in agency, confidence, and resilience. These approaches also allow nonprofits to better understand young people’s perspectives and strengths, enhancing program relevance and effectiveness.
3. Expanding access: Young people cite lack of awareness (53%), time constraints (52%), and competing responsibilities (49%) as the most common barriers to participation. Addressing these barriers through clear communication, thoughtful scheduling, and flexible program design can broaden participation to those who might otherwise be excluded.

For nonprofits, these findings underscore how well‑structured youth service can support young people’s development while helping organizations build deeper engagement, cultivate leadership, and sustain long‑term relationships with the communities they serve. As nonprofits balance immediate needs with long‑term impact, youth service stands out as an evidence‑backed approach that advances both.

Photo credit: Chicago Corporate Photography & Video