news release

Need volunteer hours for graduation, scholarships or college applications? UPSTARTERS is back for a new year, giving 9th through 12th grade students hands-on opportunities to volunteer, meet local nonprofits, and make a difference in Indian River County.

Created by United Way of Indian River County, UPSTARTERS brings students together for a three-hour service project each month. Opportunities may include food distributions, beach cleanups, donation sorting, and other projects supporting local nonprofits.

“UPSTARTERS is a great way for young people to see firsthand how nonprofits are making a difference right here in Indian River County,” said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County. “They are not just earning volunteer hours. They are meeting the people behind the organizations, learning about needs in our community and discovering ways they can be part of the solution.”

The 2026-27 year kicks off October 20th with Orientation, followed by the first service project during United Way’s annual Day of Caring on Saturday, October 24.

During Day of Caring, student volunteers will assemble Early Learning Literacy Kits made possible through PNC Bank’s Grow Up Great program. Last year, students assembled 348 kits. This year’s kits will be distributed through Sunshine Physical Therapy to support children and families in our community.

UPSTARTERS is more than a way to earn service hours. Students get the chance to learn about local nonprofits, build leadership skills, meet other students, and see firsthand how their time can make a difference.

Upcoming UPSTARTERS opportunities include:

• October 20: Orientation at the United Way Center from 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
• October 24: Day of Caring, Early Learning Literacy Kits at the United Way Center from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• November 7: Coastal Connections
• December 12: Salvation Army Bell Ringing

UPSTARTERS is open to all 9th-12th grade students. Snacks are provided.

Visit UnitedWayIRC.org/UPSTARTERS to join and start earning hours while making an impact. For more information about United Way’s UPSTARTERS Initiative for youth volunteers, contact Amanda Morgan at Amanda.Morgan@UnitedWayIRC.org or (772) 567-8900, ext. 120.

About United Way of Indian River County

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that mobilizes the caring power of our community by bringing people, partners, and resources together to address local challenges and create lasting solutions. Through investments in local programs, direct service initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we help households become more secure and prepared by working year-round to improve health, education, financial stability, and resilience, creating opportunities for people to thrive, and ensuring Indian River County can respond at the speed of need.

For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.