Student Heroes Program: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Student Heroes Program?
The Student Heroes Program at the Houston Food Bank empowers high school students to lead volunteer efforts and combat food insecurity in Southeast Texas. Through hands-on and leadership experiences, students develop workforce skills, including project management, public speaking, and team leadership, while making a direct impact on their community.
When are the Student Hero Sessions?
- Summer 2024: June 1st – August 18th
- Fall 2024: September 2nd – December 29th
- Spring 2025: January 20th – May 18th
- Summer 2025: June 1st - July 31st
- Fall 2025: August 25th - December 21st
What are the goals of the program?
The program aims to:
- Develop compassionate leaders who understand food insecurity.
- Provide real-world leadership experiences through hands-on volunteering.
- Encourage problem-solving in community service.
- Create sustainable hunger relief efforts through student-led initiatives.
What are the requirements to join?
To qualify for the Student Heroes Program, students must:
- Be at least 14 years old and enrolled in high school.
- Attend a high school in the 18-county service area of the Houston Food Bank.
- Commit to 50 volunteer hours per session (at least 25 hours by the session midpoint).
- Have a personal email and phone number.
- Show a willingness to grow in leadership skills.
- Represent the Houston Food Bank in a positive manner.
What is the application process?
Students may only join at the beginning of each session. Applications are accepted three times a year, and all applicants must complete a multi-step process before joining.
Application Periods for the 2024 – 2025 School Year:
- Spring 2025 Session: November 11 – December 9, 2024
- Summer 2025 Session: March 24 – April 21, 2025
📌 If the application window is closed, students can submit an interest form to receive a reminder for the next cycle.
Steps to Apply:
- Submit Application: Applications must be submitted during the designated time frame.
- Complete 3 Volunteer Shifts: Accepted applicants will receive an invitation to attend 3 volunteer shifts before orientation. Registration is through the dedicated volunteer platform.
- Submit Proof of Volunteer Shifts: After completing the shifts, applicants must submit proof to the membership team as instructed in their acceptance email.
- Attend Mandatory Orientation (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Once proof is verified, applicants are invited to attend one of two available orientations per session. Attendance in person is mandatory.
What do students learn in orientation?
During orientation, students will:
- Learn about the Houston Food Bank’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Review Program Expectations and Food Insecurity Awareness.
- Participate in a Public Speaking & Self-Advocacy Workshop.
- Gain insight into shift facilitation and leadership responsibilities.
- Take a facility tour and enjoy breakfast and lunch.
What are the benefits of being a Student Hero?
- Leadership development & real-world skills
- Workshops on personal & professional growth
- Exclusive Student Hero t-shirt & name tag
- School credit & verified volunteer hours
- Student Hero Certificate (after 50 hours)
- Letter of Recommendation (after 100 hours)
- Special events, recognition awards, & networking opportunities
- The rewarding experience of fighting hunger & making a difference
What do Student Heroes do and what does a typical shift look like?
The shifts coincide with the Volunteer Production schedule posted here. Students can volunteer for any shift we have available between the dates listed on the website identified as a “session”.
Student Heroes are broken up until 3 groups to offer detailed training for students depending on their knowledge and skill level and help to the Volunteer Services Department Experience Team according to community needs.
1. Welcome Crew
– Introductory crew for all Student Heroes
– Volunteer alongside regular volunteers and support project leaders by being a friendly and knowledgeable resource for new volunteers
– Attend workshops targeted towards personal development
2. Support Crew
– Students who pass the Side Job Certification Quizzes and other completion metrics may advance to this crew
– Lead Side Jobs in all projects and maintain safety standards in the project areas
– Shadow and assist project leaders in preparation to lead projects in the future
– Attend workshops targeted towards leadership development
3. Leader Crew
– Students who pass the project leader evaluations and other completion metrics may advance to the Leader Crew
– Lead and facilitate projects with supervision from experience leaders
– Train new students and work on specialized leadership tracks
– Access special volunteer opportunities within different departments
Who can I contact for more information?
Students may visit https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/ways-to-give/give-time/other-volunteer-opportunities/studentheroes/ to fill out the interest form to be updated on the next application period.