essay on community workers

Essays About Community Service: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

If you are looking for your next writing topic, discover top examples of essays about community service and helpful writing prompts in our guide.

Community service refers to an individual or a group’s volunteer work dedicated to improving the community and its people. In America, Benjamin Franklin introduced community service in the 18th century by developing the idea of ​​the first volunteer firehouse in Philadelphia . Since then, stepping up has become a norm, with more people encouraged to participate.

Volunteering helps individuals gain experience, improve self-esteem, expand knowledge, and promote healthy goals. In addition, choosing community service as a topic in your essay allows you to explain its significance to entice your readers to get involved. To give you an idea of ​​how to write essays about community service, here are five examples that will help you.

5 Top Examples On Essays About Community Service

1. essay on community service and its importance by joni kim, 2. community service experience: essay on what i learned by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. why is community service important by perry mullins, 4. concept of the community services in modern society essay by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 5. community service experience essay by writer molly, 1. community service vs. volunteering, 2. community service: then and now, 3. why we should volunteer, 4. community service in schools: mandatory or voluntary, 5. community service and its influences, 6. types of community service, 7. my community service experience, 8. donation or service: what’s better to give.

“The service helps the group of people in need, for example, senior citizens, children, people with disability and the likes. Sometimes community service is geared towards solving problems related to the needs of community members, especially low-income earners.”

Kim explains that community service is a voluntary action done through various means. It includes health and child care services, education, housing, and other improvements to aid and support the community members who need the most assistance. Then, Kim focuses on its importance to individuals, the community, and the country. The essay showcases how community service improves social, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. It also allows students to explore and find their interests. Ultimately, Kim believes that the real-life experience of volunteering assists in determining one’s career path, providing advantages when applying for a job.

“This experience has helped me to cherish my ability to influence and impact others in a positive way, and it helped me to look at community service as a benefit for myself, instead of just another obligation to fit into my schedule.”

In this essay, the writer reflects on their community service experience, sharing the gains they reaped from the program. They discuss how their undying love for animals and tight-knit communities made them realize the gravity of sharing. They also had the opportunity to strengthen and develop a new set of talents and skills from the encounter. However, the author also mentions that when the desire to do good morphs into a forced responsibility, it leads to failure. The writer says they often receive more benefits than the people and animals they help, as the experience makes them more patient, flexible, and responsible.

“True volunteering lies in an individual’s will and drives to help other and enforcing it eliminates that drive.”

Mullins focuses his essay on explaining why it should not be mandatory for students to do community service. For him, mandatory volunteering takes away the true meaning of volunteerism. Students only view it as additional work – an obligatory criterion they must check off their list to graduate. He claims that students will gain nothing but stress instead of new skills and knowledge when compulsory community services are in place.

“As for me, I consider community work as a good opportunity to get the main idea of some particular services, still, I would not have the same great desire to participate in social life if the services would become obligatory for graduation.”

In modern society, volunteering is becoming a necessary factor in many organizations. People with experience in community service have more opportunities to get a job. The author delves into community service’s importance but also criticizes that making it a requisite takes away its value. With various arguments from professionals like Alina Tugend , the essay further argues that no one would want to receive help from people who consider it an obligation.

“The community service project is different from other school educations the community service can teach us how to love others and how to fulfill our heart with joy.”

Molly dislikes homeless people because of their appearance and smell, but this all changes when cleaning and selling preloved items to homeless people becomes the best experience of her life. Community service taught her that the homeless are no different from her. She also learned to be thankful for her situation. She concludes that after the program, she became more respectful, responsible, and caring to other people.

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8 Helpful Prompts on Essays About Community Service

If you’re still confused about the topic and can’t choose what to talk about, you can use the prompts below:

To write this prompt, the first part of your essay should discuss the meaning of community service and volunteering. Next, identify and examine the different characteristics of a community service worker and volunteer to clearly explain their similarities and differences. Then finish your essay with your opinion on the matter or look for more information you can expound on in your own words. 

This prompt shows how people’s definitions, processes, and perceptions of community service changed over time. Research and write down how community service started in your country or area to make it more relatable. Include examples of community services that made a big difference for the community and consider how these services impacted people’s lives.

Explain to your readers what voluntary work means and why exposure to it is crucial. Next, write the advantages and disadvantages of volunteering and what they should expect if they decide to be a volunteer. Finally, share your experience to clarify your comments, suggestions, and other points.

The decision to make community service mandatory in every school is still up for debate. First, pen your opinion on this topic and whether or not you agree with compulsory community service. Then, discuss your reasons and provide examples or factual evidence to support your arguments.

Identify and scrutinize the positive and negative effects of community service. Find news articles where one type of community service impacted its volunteers, community, and people differently. Write down how the organizer dealt with different situations and if it affected the program’s outcome.

There are three kinds of community service: direct, indirect, and advocacy. First, discuss and give examples for each one. Then, explain how these services differ from programs under service-learning. For example, direct community service includes directly serving homeless people food and clothes, while in service-learning, volunteers will teach people to garden and earn income. 

Use this prompt to share your memorable experience while doing community service and what you learned from it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a short program at your school, work, or organization. The important thing is that you have experience in community service. Include your initial reaction and if it changed over time while you were doing the service.

Some choose to donate money to various organizations that perform community service. Others join the program and personally help other people. In this prompt, share your opinion on the topic and whether you consider donating as community service. To make your essay more intriguing, look for prominent personalities who consistently contribute or engage in community service versus those who only present monetary assistance. 

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How to Write the Community Essay – Guide with Examples (2023-24)

September 6, 2023

Students applying to college this year will inevitably confront the community essay. In fact, most students will end up responding to several community essay prompts for different schools. For this reason, you should know more than simply how to approach the community essay as a genre. Rather, you will want to learn how to decipher the nuances of each particular prompt, in order to adapt your response appropriately. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that, through several community essay examples. These examples will also demonstrate how to avoid cliché and make the community essay authentically and convincingly your own.

Emphasis on Community

Do keep in mind that inherent in the word “community” is the idea of multiple people. The personal statement already provides you with a chance to tell the college admissions committee about yourself as an individual. The community essay, however, suggests that you depict yourself among others. You can use this opportunity to your advantage by showing off interpersonal skills, for example. Or, perhaps you wish to relate a moment that forged important relationships. This in turn will indicate what kind of connections you’ll make in the classroom with college peers and professors.

Apart from comprising numerous people, a community can appear in many shapes and sizes. It could be as small as a volleyball team, or as large as a diaspora. It could fill a town soup kitchen, or spread across five boroughs. In fact, due to the internet, certain communities today don’t even require a physical place to congregate. Communities can form around a shared identity, shared place, shared hobby, shared ideology, or shared call to action. They can even arise due to a shared yet unforeseen circumstance.

What is the Community Essay All About?             

In a nutshell, the community essay should exhibit three things:

• An aspect of yourself, 2. in the context of a community you belonged to, and 3. how this experience may shape your contribution to the community you’ll join in college.

It may look like a fairly simple equation: 1 + 2 = 3. However, each college will word their community essay prompt differently, so it’s important to look out for additional variables. One college may use the community essay as a way to glimpse your core values. Another may use the essay to understand how you would add to diversity on campus. Some may let you decide in which direction to take it—and there are many ways to go!

To get a better idea of how the prompts differ, let’s take a look at some real community essay prompts from the current admission cycle.

Sample 2023-2024 Community Essay Prompts

1) brown university.

“Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)”

A close reading of this prompt shows that Brown puts particular emphasis on place. They do this by using the words “home,” “College Hill,” and “where they came from.” Thus, Brown invites writers to think about community through the prism of place. They also emphasize the idea of personal growth or change, through the words “inspired or challenged you.” Therefore, Brown wishes to see how the place you grew up in has affected you. And, they want to know how you in turn will affect their college community.

“NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world-class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience.

We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less.”

Here, NYU places an emphasis on students’ “identity,” “backgrounds,” and “diversity,” rather than any physical place. (For some students, place may be tied up in those ideas.) Furthermore, while NYU doesn’t ask specifically how identity has changed the essay writer, they do ask about your “experience.” Take this to mean that you can still recount a specific moment, or several moments, that work to portray your particular background. You should also try to link your story with NYU’s values of inclusivity and opportunity.

3) University of Washington

“Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW. (300 words max) Tip: Keep in mind that the UW strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints.”

UW ’s community essay prompt may look the most approachable, for they help define the idea of community. You’ll notice that most of their examples (“families,” “cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood”…) place an emphasis on people. This may clue you in on their desire to see the relationships you’ve made. At the same time, UW uses the words “individual” and “richly diverse.” They, like NYU, wish to see how you fit in and stand out, in order to boost campus diversity.

Writing Your First Community Essay

Begin by picking which community essay you’ll write first. (For practical reasons, you’ll probably want to go with whichever one is due earliest.) Spend time doing a close reading of the prompt, as we’ve done above. Underline key words. Try to interpret exactly what the prompt is asking through these keywords.

Next, brainstorm. I recommend doing this on a blank piece of paper with a pencil. Across the top, make a row of headings. These might be the communities you’re a part of, or the components that make up your identity. Then, jot down descriptive words underneath in each column—whatever comes to you. These words may invoke people and experiences you had with them, feelings, moments of growth, lessons learned, values developed, etc. Now, narrow in on the idea that offers the richest material and that corresponds fully with the prompt.

Lastly, write! You’ll definitely want to describe real moments, in vivid detail. This will keep your essay original, and help you avoid cliché. However, you’ll need to summarize the experience and answer the prompt succinctly, so don’t stray too far into storytelling mode.

How To Adapt Your Community Essay

Once your first essay is complete, you’ll need to adapt it to the other colleges involving community essays on your list. Again, you’ll want to turn to the prompt for a close reading, and recognize what makes this prompt different from the last. For example, let’s say you’ve written your essay for UW about belonging to your swim team, and how the sports dynamics shaped you. Adapting that essay to Brown’s prompt could involve more of a focus on place. You may ask yourself, how was my swim team in Alaska different than the swim teams we competed against in other states?

Once you’ve adapted the content, you’ll also want to adapt the wording to mimic the prompt. For example, let’s say your UW essay states, “Thinking back to my years in the pool…” As you adapt this essay to Brown’s prompt, you may notice that Brown uses the word “reflection.” Therefore, you might change this sentence to “Reflecting back on my years in the pool…” While this change is minute, it cleverly signals to the reader that you’ve paid attention to the prompt, and are giving that school your full attention.

What to Avoid When Writing the Community Essay  

• Avoid cliché. Some students worry that their idea is cliché, or worse, that their background or identity is cliché. However, what makes an essay cliché is not the content, but the way the content is conveyed. This is where your voice and your descriptions become essential.
• Avoid giving too many examples. Stick to one community, and one or two anecdotes arising from that community that allow you to answer the prompt fully.
• Don’t exaggerate or twist facts. Sometimes students feel they must make themselves sound more “diverse” than they feel they are. Luckily, diversity is not a feeling. Likewise, diversity does not simply refer to one’s heritage. If the prompt is asking about your identity or background, you can show the originality of your experiences through your actions and your thinking.

Community Essay Examples and Analysis

Brown university community essay example.

I used to hate the NYC subway. I’ve taken it since I was six, going up and down Manhattan, to and from school. By high school, it was a daily nightmare. Spending so much time underground, underneath fluorescent lighting, squashed inside a rickety, rocking train car among strangers, some of whom wanted to talk about conspiracy theories, others who had bedbugs or B.O., or who manspread across two seats, or bickered—it wore me out. The challenge of going anywhere seemed absurd. I dreaded the claustrophobia and disgruntlement.

Yet the subway also inspired my understanding of community. I will never forget the morning I saw a man, several seats away, slide out of his seat and hit the floor. The thump shocked everyone to attention. What we noticed: he appeared drunk, possibly homeless. I was digesting this when a second man got up and, through a sort of awkward embrace, heaved the first man back into his seat. The rest of us had stuck to subway social codes: don’t step out of line. Yet this second man’s silent actions spoke loudly. They said, “I care.”

That day I realized I belong to a group of strangers. What holds us together is our transience, our vulnerabilities, and a willingness to assist. This community is not perfect but one in motion, a perpetual work-in-progress. Now I make it my aim to hold others up. I plan to contribute to the Brown community by helping fellow students and strangers in moments of precariousness.    

Brown University Community Essay Example Analysis

Here the student finds an original way to write about where they come from. The subway is not their home, yet it remains integral to ideas of belonging. The student shows how a community can be built between strangers, in their responsibility toward each other. The student succeeds at incorporating key words from the prompt (“challenge,” “inspired” “Brown community,” “contribute”) into their community essay.

UW Community Essay Example

I grew up in Hawaii, a world bound by water and rich in diversity. In school we learned that this sacred land was invaded, first by Captain Cook, then by missionaries, whalers, traders, plantation owners, and the U.S. government. My parents became part of this problematic takeover when they moved here in the 90s. The first community we knew was our church congregation. At the beginning of mass, we shook hands with our neighbors. We held hands again when we sang the Lord’s Prayer. I didn’t realize our church wasn’t “normal” until our diocese was informed that we had to stop dancing hula and singing Hawaiian hymns. The order came from the Pope himself.

Eventually, I lost faith in God and organized institutions. I thought the banning of hula—an ancient and pure form of expression—seemed medieval, ignorant, and unfair, given that the Hawaiian religion had already been stamped out. I felt a lack of community and a distrust for any place in which I might find one. As a postcolonial inhabitant, I could never belong to the Hawaiian culture, no matter how much I valued it. Then, I was shocked to learn that Queen Ka’ahumanu herself had eliminated the Kapu system, a strict code of conduct in which women were inferior to men. Next went the Hawaiian religion. Queen Ka’ahumanu burned all the temples before turning to Christianity, hoping this religion would offer better opportunities for her people.

Community Essay (Continued)

I’m not sure what to make of this history. Should I view Queen Ka’ahumanu as a feminist hero, or another failure in her islands’ tragedy? Nothing is black and white about her story, but she did what she thought was beneficial to her people, regardless of tradition. From her story, I’ve learned to accept complexity. I can disagree with institutionalized religion while still believing in my neighbors. I am a product of this place and their presence. At UW, I plan to add to campus diversity through my experience, knowing that diversity comes with contradictions and complications, all of which should be approached with an open and informed mind.

UW Community Essay Example Analysis

This student also manages to weave in words from the prompt (“family,” “community,” “world,” “product of it,” “add to the diversity,” etc.). Moreover, the student picks one of the examples of community mentioned in the prompt, (namely, a religious group,) and deepens their answer by addressing the complexity inherent in the community they’ve been involved in. While the student displays an inner turmoil about their identity and participation, they find a way to show how they’d contribute to an open-minded campus through their values and intellectual rigor.

What’s Next

For more on supplemental essays and essay writing guides, check out the following articles:

• How to Write the Why This Major Essay + Example
• How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay + Example
• How to Start a College Essay – 12 Techniques and Tips
• College Essay

Kaylen Baker

With a BA in Literary Studies from Middlebury College, an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, and a Master’s in Translation from Université Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Kaylen has been working with students on their writing for over five years. Previously, Kaylen taught a fiction course for high school students as part of Columbia Artists/Teachers, and served as an English Language Assistant for the French National Department of Education. Kaylen is an experienced writer/translator whose work has been featured in Los Angeles Review, Hybrid, San Francisco Bay Guardian, France Today, and Honolulu Weekly, among others.

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Exploring the impact of community service – a comprehensive essay sample.

Community service plays a vital role in shaping individuals and communities. Engaging in service activities not only helps those in need but also has a profound impact on the volunteers themselves. By giving back to the community, individuals can develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility towards society.

In this essay sample, we will explore inspiring examples of community service projects and provide tips on how you can get involved in making a difference. From volunteering at local shelters to organizing charity events, there are countless ways to contribute to your community and create a positive impact on the world around you. Let’s delve into the world of community service and discover the power of giving back!

Community Service Essay Sample

Community service is a valuable activity that allows individuals to give back to their communities. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others while also developing important skills and values. Here is a sample essay that highlights the benefits of community service and reflects on personal experiences.

Introduction: Community service is an essential part of being an active and engaged member of society. It not only benefits the community but also helps individuals grow and learn. Through my involvement in various community service projects, I have seen firsthand the power of giving back and the joy it brings to both the recipient and the volunteer.

Body: One example of the impact of community service is the work I did at a local soup kitchen. By volunteering at the soup kitchen, I was able to help provide meals to those in need and offer a listening ear to those who were struggling. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and compassion, and showed me how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Another example of the benefits of community service is the time I spent tutoring children at a local elementary school. Through this experience, I was able to help students improve their academic skills and build their confidence. I also gained a greater appreciation for the value of education and the impact it can have on a child’s future.

Conclusion: In conclusion, community service is a valuable and rewarding activity that allows individuals to make a positive impact on their communities. Through my experiences with community service, I have learned important lessons about empathy, compassion, and the power of giving back. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to volunteer and look forward to continuing to serve my community in the future.

Inspiring Examples and Tips

When it comes to community service, there are countless inspiring examples that can motivate you to get involved. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a charity event, or tutoring underprivileged children, these acts of service can make a real impact on the community.

Here are a few tips to help you get started on your community service journey:

1. Find a Cause You’re Passionate About: Choose a cause that resonates with you personally. When you care deeply about the issue you’re working on, your efforts will be more meaningful and impactful.

2. Start Small: You don’t have to take on huge projects right away. Start small by volunteering for a few hours a week or helping out at a local event. Every little bit helps.

3. Collaborate with Others: Community service is often more effective when done as a team. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues to join you in your efforts.

4. Stay Consistent: Make a commitment to regularly engage in community service. Consistency is key to making a lasting impact.

5. Reflect on Your Impact: Take the time to reflect on how your service is making a difference. Celebrate your achievements and learn from your challenges.

By following these tips and drawing inspiration from others, you can make a meaningful contribution to your community through service. Get started today and see the positive impact you can have!

Why Community Service Matters

Community service is an essential component of a well-rounded individual. It provides an opportunity to give back to society, make a positive impact on the community, and develop valuable skills and experiences. Engaging in community service helps individuals cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of civic responsibility. By volunteering and helping others, individuals can learn to appreciate the needs of others and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society.

Furthermore, community service allows individuals to build connections with others and foster a sense of community. Through collaboration and teamwork, volunteers can develop important social and communication skills that are valuable in all aspects of life. Community service also provides a way to explore new interests, gain new perspectives, and expand one’s horizons.

Moreover, community service is a way to address pressing social issues and contribute to positive change. By participating in community service projects, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and work towards creating a more just and equitable world. Community service is a powerful tool for promoting social justice, equality, and human rights.

In conclusion, community service matters because it helps individuals grow personally, develop important skills, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a better society. Engaging in community service is a fulfilling and impactful way to make a difference in the world and leave a lasting legacy of service and compassion.

Benefits of Engaging in Community Service

Engaging in community service offers a wide range of benefits both for the individual and the community as a whole.

1. Personal Growth: Community service allows individuals to step out of their comfort zones, develop new skills, and gain valuable life experiences. It helps enhance empathy, compassion, and understanding of diverse perspectives.

2. Social Connections: By participating in community service activities, individuals can build strong relationships with like-minded individuals and expand their social network. It provides opportunities to collaborate with others and work towards common goals.

3. Skill Development: Community service offers a platform for individuals to develop and hone various skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills are transferable to other aspects of life.

4. Civic Engagement: Engaging in community service promotes active citizenship and a sense of responsibility towards one’s community. It allows individuals to contribute to positive change and make a meaningful impact on society.

5. Personal Fulfillment: Giving back to the community and helping those in need can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to individuals. It provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that one has made a positive difference in the lives of others.

Overall, engaging in community service not only benefits the community by addressing various social issues but also contributes to personal growth, social connections, skill development, civic engagement, and personal fulfillment.

How to Choose the Right Community Service Project

When deciding on a community service project, it is important to consider your interests, skills, and the needs of your community. Here are some tips to help you choose the right project:

• Identify your passion: Think about what causes or issues you feel strongly about. Whether it’s helping the environment, supporting education, or assisting the elderly, choosing a project that aligns with your passions will keep you motivated and engaged.
• Evaluate your skills: Consider what skills you have to offer. Are you good at organizing events, teaching, or fundraising? Select a project that allows you to utilize your strengths and make a meaningful impact.
• Assess the community’s needs: Research and assess the needs of your community. Talk to local organizations, schools, or community leaders to identify areas where help is most needed. By addressing pressing needs, your project will have a greater impact.
• Consider the time commitment: Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to a community service project. Choose a project that fits into your schedule and allows you to make a consistent contribution over time.
• Collaborate with others: Consider teaming up with friends, classmates, or colleagues to take on a community service project together. Working as a team can help divide tasks, share responsibilities, and create a stronger impact.

By following these tips and considering your interests, skills, and community needs, you can choose the right community service project that aligns with your values and makes a positive difference in your community.

Steps to Writing an Effective Community Service Essay

If you are tasked with writing a community service essay, follow these steps to ensure it is impactful and engaging:

• Choose a meaningful community service experience: Select a service project that has had a significant impact on you or your community.
• Reflect on your experience: Take time to think about the lessons learned, challenges faced, and personal growth from the service project.
• Outline your essay: Create a clear outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs detailing your experiences, and a conclusion that ties everything together.
• Show, don’t tell: Use descriptive language and vivid examples to bring your community service experience to life for the reader.
• Highlight your personal growth: Discuss how the community service experience has shaped your values, beliefs, and future goals.
• Connect your experience to the broader community: Share how your service has impacted those around you and the community as a whole.
• Revise and edit your essay: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar errors. Make revisions as needed to strengthen your message.
• Seek feedback: Ask someone you trust to read your essay and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
• Finalize your essay: Make any final adjustments and ensure your essay is polished and reflects your authentic voice.

Community Service Essay Structure

When writing a community service essay, it is important to follow a structured approach to ensure that your message is clear and impactful. Here is a recommended structure to help you organize your thoughts and create a compelling essay:

• Introduction: Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce the topic of community service and provide some context for your personal experience.
• Background Information: Briefly explain what community service means to you and why you chose to engage in it. Provide background information on the organization or cause you volunteered for.
• Personal Experience: Share specific examples of your community service activities. Describe the impact you made, challenges you faced, and lessons you learned. Highlight any skills or qualities that you developed through your volunteer work.
• Reflection: Reflect on how your community service experience has influenced your personal growth and perspective on the world. Discuss any changes in your attitudes or values as a result of your volunteer work.
• Impact: Describe the positive impact your community service has had on others. Share stories of individuals or communities that benefitted from your efforts.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key points of your essay and reiterate the importance of community service. End with a powerful closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By following this structure, you can effectively communicate the value of community service and inspire others to make a difference in their communities. Remember to be sincere, reflective, and passionate in your writing to convey the true essence of your volunteer experience.

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How to Write the “Why This Major” College Essay→

Through your college applications process, you’re likely to come across the term “community service” many times. In fact, you may be asked to write an essay about it. This post will cover the specifics of a community service essay and how to go about writing one, including what to cover and common mistakes to avoid. 

What is a Community Service Essay?

You may encounter the community service essay as you’re writing your supplemental essays for college. These are school-specific prompts that only go to the college that requests them, unlike the personal statement , which goes to every school you apply to. Not all schools require community service essays, but several do. It’s also a common requirement for scholarship applications, especially if it’s a school-specific merit scholarship. 

The community service essay is an essay that describes the initiatives you have taken outside of the classroom to benefit your community. In a 2018 survey of 264 admissions leaders across the US, 58% said that community service is a tie-breaker between students who are otherwise equally qualified. The community service essay offers you the opportunity to shine light on the work you have done to make an impact on the world and people around you, and is an additional way to help you stand out among other applicants. 

Approaching the Community Service Essay 

Understand the essay requirements  .

As with any essay, it’s important to first understand what is expected of your essay. For a start, elements to pay attention to include: 

• Length requirements
• Focus or subject of the essay prompt 
• Organization of the essay 

Although all community service essays ultimately have the same purpose of having you describe your local service activities, they can come with different types of prompts. Below are three sample prompts. Note the differences in topic specificity, length requirements, and breadth of the prompt. 

From the CGCS – Bernard Harris Scholarship Program: 

Please describe a meaningful volunteer or community service experience, including what you learned from participating.

From the University of California Application :

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (350 words).

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words.

Brainstorming for your community service essay 

Once you have an understanding of what is required of the specific you are to write, the next step is to brainstorm ideas for a specific topic. If you have various community-engaged service experiences under your belt, consider the following before you finalize your decision. 

The best topics:

Are substantial in length and scope. It’s better to cover a long-term commitment than a one-off afternoon at the food pantry or animal shelter. 

Are transformative or inspiring. Although community service is “others”-oriented, colleges are looking to learn more about you. The ideal community service essay topic should be an experience that changed or challenged your perspective, and was ultimately fulfilling. 

Illustrate personal qualities or passions that you want to highlight. Given the specific prompt, and taking the rest of your application into consideration, which personal interests do you want to highlight? Which activity illuminates the personal quality that you want to bring attention to? 

These are all elements to consider before you begin writing your essay. 

Tips for Writing Your Community Service Essay 

1. include anecdotes.

Anecdotes are a great way to begin your essay, not only as a way to grab your reader’s attention, but by launching right into the experience of your service activity. You can start with a line about a particularly busy afternoon at the orphanage, or a morning cleaning up the streets after a storm, or the sense of accomplishment you felt when you watched a dog under your care at the animal shelter get adopted. 

2. Show, don’t tell 

We’re sure you’ve heard this axiom of general writing before, but it applies to college essays just as much as with any other piece of writing. Opt for evocative examples over plain explaining whenever possible. Take this sentence: “There was a lot of food waste at our school cafeteria.” It’s not nearly as powerful as this description: “I peered into the tall, gray trash cans to inspect the mountain of Styrofoam trays and discarded food. There were countless pizza crusts, globs of green beans, and unopened cartons of milk.” 

Anyone could write the first sentence, and it’s not a unique experience. In the second description, we’re shown the scene of the writer’s lunchroom. We get a peek into their perspective and life, which makes the writing more vivid and relatable. Aim to bring your reader into your world as much as possible.

3. Share your responsibilities and accomplishments.

The more tangible your community service activities feel to the reader, the more powerful your essay will be. Concretize your work by stating the basic details of what kind of work you did and what your duties involved, where it was based, when you began working, and the amount of time you spent working. 

Be sure to quantify your work and accomplishments when possible; it’s better to say your fundraiser yielded 125 books than “a large number” of books. It’s important to also elaborate on why the work you did matters. Why was it important? Did the books you collected or purchased after the fundraiser expand the library of the local orphanage that they already had, or did it offer the children easy access to books that wasn’t available previously? Be specific and detailed.  

4. Highlight what you learned and how you’ll use those lessons moving forward. 

Towards the end of your essay, you’ll want to share how you benefited from the community service work you did. This is an important part of the essay, because it shows how you are able to distill your experiences to applicable lessons in your own life. 

Think of this section in two potential parts: skills you learned, and personal development. Did you gain any hard skills, such as public speaking, poster design, or funds management? Then think about how you developed as an individual. Are you more empathetic or patient now? 

Things to Avoid in Your Community Service Essay 

1. don’t list out everything that happened..

You want to keep your essay well-structured and concise. This isn’t a résumé, or a play-by-play of the entire experience. Stick to the most telling details and anecdotes from your experience. 

2. Avoid using a pretentious or privileged tone.

Humility goes a long way, and entitlement can be smelled from afar. The purpose of this essay is not to paint yourself as a savior of any kind, but rather to show what’s important to you in your non-academic life, and how you approach solving real-world and interpersonal problems. 

3. Avoid clichés.

It may be tempting to quote famous people, but doing so can easily seem like a shortcut, plus it shows little of who you are. Try also to steer clear of trite and vague life lesson lines such as “I learned that people can be happy with so little,” or “I learned the importance of giving back.” Not only do they carry a tone of privilege, they are also sweeping general conclusions and don’t convey anything specific of what you learned. 

Community service is only a part of the college application process, which can be daunting and confusing. CollegeVine will help you navigate each step of the process, from building a college list, to calculating your chances at each school using our chancing engine. Create your free account and get started now !

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Hey folks! I want to write a college essay about my community service experience. I'm not really sure where to start, though. Have any of you written similar essays or come across any good examples that might inspire me? Thanks!

Hello! Writing a college essay about community service can be a meaningful way to highlight your impact on others and your personal growth. To help you craft a compelling essay, here are a few tips and an example to get you started.

1. Narrate a specific experience: Instead of recounting all your community service experiences, focus on a single event or project that genuinely impacted you. Describe the project, the people you worked with, and your role within the group.

2. Demonstrate personal growth: Use your chosen experience to illustrate personal growth and development. Describe any challenges you faced, how you navigated them, and what you learned from the experience.

3. Show, don't tell: Use vivid details and anecdotes to bring your story to life. Rather than saying you developed leadership skills, describe a moment in your community service when you had to step up and lead or support your peers through a challenge.

4. Make connections: Reflect on how this community service experience has shaped your values or goals. Connecting your experience to your aspirations helps show how it has influenced your college or career ambitions.

Here's an example to help inspire your own essay:

"During my junior year, I joined a volunteer group to help revitalize a local park. Our group consisted of diverse members, ranging from middle school students to retired professionals. Initially, I was hesitant to engage with the others, fearing the generational gaps. However, as I worked alongside them, I realized that everyone shared the common goal of restoring the park, and together, we overcame the limitations that our age differences posed.

One Saturday, rain unexpectedly poured down, jeopardizing the progress we had made in painting a mural. As the rain soaked the artwork, I witnessed my team's morale plummet. Recognizing the need for action, I took the initiative to gather the group. Together, we brainstormed creative solutions to protect our art from the weather, such as using tarps and rain-reflective paint. I also made sure to allocate tasks to people based on their strengths and preferences.

In the end, the mural not only survived the storm but became a symbol of hope and resilience for our community. This experience taught me how valuable collaboration and resourcefulness are when facing challenges, and it strengthened my confidence in my ability to lead.

From revitalizing the park, I learned that my ability to communicate and connect with people from different backgrounds plays a vital role in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. This shift in my perspective has transformed my approach to problem-solving and has inspired me to pursue a career in community development. I am eager to continue my journey of growth and leadership in my future studies."

Remember to personalize your essay and be genuine in your storytelling. Good luck with your writing!

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Empowering Communities: The Vital Role of Community Helpers

• January 3, 2024

In our neighborhoods, there are everyday heroes who quietly work to make our communities better – they’re the community helpers. These folks play a really important role in bringing people together, making our neighborhoods strong, and helping everyone feel more capable and connected.

The People Who Help Us Stay Healthy

Think about the doctors, nurses, and paramedics who are always there for us when we’re not feeling well. They’re like superheroes who keep us safe and healthy. They work hard to make sure everyone in the community can get the care they need. And when there’s a health crisis, they step up to keep us informed and protected.

Community health clinics and vaccination drives are places where these helpers make sure everyone can stay healthy . They help us learn how to prevent getting sick and make sure we have the right medical help when we need it.

Teachers: Our Guides for Learning and Growing

Teachers are like guides who help us learn and grow. They’re not just in schools – they’re also in community programs that help us discover new things and develop important skills. These helpers give us the knowledge and tools we need to succeed in life.

Programs outside of regular school hours, like after-school clubs, are great places where teachers and helpers work together to make sure learning is fun and accessible for everyone. By doing this, they make our community smarter and stronger.

Keeping Us Safe: Our Community Guardians

Have you ever thought about the police officers who make sure our neighborhoods are safe? They’re like guardians, always watching out for us. By keeping an eye on things and making sure everyone follows the rules, they help create a safe place for us to live.

Helpers in the justice system, like lawyers who help people in need, play a big part too. They make sure everyone gets a fair chance, no matter who they are or where they come from. Together, they create a fair and just community.

Social Workers: Friends Who Help

Social workers are like friends who are always ready to help. They look out for people who might be having a tough time and make sure they get the support they need. Whether it’s providing counseling or helping with resources, these helpers make our community a caring and understanding place.

Community projects like food banks and shelters are places where social workers and volunteers team up to help those in need. By working together, they make sure nobody feels alone in our community.

Volunteers: People Who Care

Volunteers are the heart of our community. These are the folks who give their time and energy to help with different projects and causes. Whether it’s cleaning up a park, organizing events, or supporting local charities, volunteers make a big impact by working together.

Projects like community gardens, mentorship programs, and efforts to protect the environment are all possible because of volunteers. Their teamwork creates a positive vibe in our community, making it a better place for everyone.

Maximizing Our Online Impact

To help more people know about the great work community helpers do, we need to use words that make sense to everyone. Simple words like “community empowerment,” “local initiatives,” and “volunteer opportunities” are important to use. This helps our stories reach more people and inspire them to get involved.

We can also share our stories on social media – platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This way, more people can learn about the amazing community helpers and maybe even join in to make our community even stronger.

Bringing It All Together

When we think about the helpers in our community, it’s clear that they do a lot to make it a better place. From keeping us healthy to making sure we learn and grow, staying safe, and helping those in need – they’re the superheroes who make our community special.

By celebrating and supporting our community helpers, we’re working towards a future where everyone can thrive. Let’s appreciate these everyday heroes who make our community strong and show us that by working together, we can make a big difference.

when we think about the people in our community who do special things, we’re talking about our community helpers. They really matter because they help make our neighborhood a great place to live. They bring us together and make us feel strong. By understanding why they are so important, we can see how they make our whole society better. Let’s appreciate and support our community helpers because, by working together, we can make our community even more amazing.

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Importance of Community Workers and their Impact

• February 29, 2024

Role of Community Workers

Community workers are pivotal in society as essential connectors between individuals, families, and the critical resources required to enhance their lives. Embedded within various contexts, such as social service agencies, non-profit organisations, and governmental bodies, these professionals tirelessly evaluate community needs to devise and implement strategies to address these gaps. Their work is diverse, ranging from direct assistance to individuals in need to the planning and developing of broader community programs that aim to uplift entire neighbourhoods.

For example, a community worker might collaborate with local health services to facilitate access to medical care for underserved populations or organise job training workshops to improve employment opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas. Another aspect of their role as community development officer involves advocacy and policy work, where they may campaign for changes in legislation to address systemic issues affecting their communities, such as housing affordability or education reform.

The overarching objective of community workers is to empower those they serve, providing the tools and support necessary for individuals and communities to realise their potential. Through their dedicated efforts, community workers aid in the immediate improvement of people’s lives and contribute to the long-term development and strength of communities worldwide.

Supporting Vulnerable Populations

Community workers hold a vital role in providing support to vulnerable populations, with a focus on demographics, including the elderly, children, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty. These professionals guarantee that these communities have access to essential needs such as healthcare, education, and housing, which are fundamental for individuals to lead dignified lives. For instance, community workers may facilitate programs that offer nutritious meals to low-income families or organise transportation services for older adults to attend medical appointments.

Moreover, they are staunch advocates for the rights of these groups, often working to influence policy changes that lead to more inclusive and equitable service provision. An example of their advocacy work could include campaigning to construct accessible public buildings to serve individuals with disabilities better. Community workers strive to empower vulnerable populations through their dedicated efforts, enabling them to access the resources and support necessary for their well-being and fulfilment. By addressing these fundamental needs, community workers ensure that every segment of society has the chance to pursue a fulfilling life, irrespective of their circumstances.

Promoting Social Justice and Equity

Community workers are champions of social justice and equity, actively confronting and dismantling the systemic barriers that fuel societal inequality. Their work is crucial in fostering environments where inclusivity is an ideal and a practised reality. By using community development initiatives, advocating for policy changes, and implementing direct service initiatives, they work tirelessly to ensure that every individual, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, race, gender, or disability, has access to equal opportunities for success.

For example, community workers might organise workshops and seminars to raise awareness about discrimination and its impacts or lead campaigns to reform policies that disadvantage certain groups. They also contribute significantly to developing programs and community resources to empower marginalised communities with the skills and resources necessary to succeed, such as offering financial literacy courses for low-income families or implementing mentorship programs for at-risk youth. 

Their efforts aim to level the playing field, ensuring that social justice and equity are not mere concepts but tangible realities. Through their unwavering advocacy and practical service-oriented approach, community workers contribute significantly to constructing fairer and more equitable societies where every individual can reach their full potential.

Building Stronger Communities

Community workers are instrumental in nurturing the strength and resilience of communities, acting as catalysts for fostering connections, enhancing engagement, and addressing local needs. By creating and implementing diverse programs, they tackle immediate concerns and establish the foundation for long-term communal well-being. For instance, community workers might organise neighbourhood clean-up days, which improve the physical environment and encourage residents to take pride in and responsibility for their local area. An additional instance of community development could involve facilitating community forums or town hall meetings, providing residents with a platform to express their concerns, exchange ideas, and actively engage in decision-making processes.

These initiatives lead to safer, more vibrant communities characterised by a strong sense of belonging and mutual support. Community workers also spearhead projects to improve local amenities or services, such as establishing community gardens or after-school programs for children. These efforts contribute significantly to the social fabric of local communities, making them more cohesive and enabling individuals to thrive collectively. Through their dedication, community workers play a vital role in building the foundation of a healthy, vibrant society.

Addressing Social Problems

Community workers are pivotal in confronting and mitigating pressing social issues, including homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence. By devising and executing targeted strategies, they provide necessary support and resources to individuals and families grappling with these challenges. For example, in addressing homelessness, community workers may collaborate with housing authorities and non-profit organisations to secure affordable housing solutions for those in need. They also facilitate access to job training programs to support long-term self-sufficiency.

In the realm of substance abuse, community workers often initiate prevention and education programs, alongside providing support for recovery through counselling services and support groups. Similarly, to combat domestic violence, they establish safe havens for survivors and advocate for clients for legal assistance and therapeutic support, ensuring victims have a path to recovery and empowerment.

Their comprehensive approach to problem-solving includes a focus on not just immediate relief but also preventative measures and long-term support, thereby contributing significantly to society’s overall health and well-being. Through their dedicated efforts, community workers effect meaningful change, addressing the root causes of social problems and fostering a safer, more supportive community environment.

Collaborating with Stakeholders

Community workers recognise the power of collaboration in amplifying the impact of their initiatives and engaging with diverse stakeholders to foster sustainable change. This synergy involves government agencies, local businesses, other non-profits, community groups, and even community members, pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise to address complex social issues comprehensively. For instance, a community worker might partner with local businesses to sponsor educational programs or employment opportunities for at-risk youth, leveraging the private sector’s resources and networks for social good.

Similarly, collaborations with government officials can lead to policy changes or funding for critical community services, such as mental health support or affordable housing projects. Non-profit organisations often band together, sharing best practices and resources to maximise their reach and effectiveness in serving the community’s needs. Through these partnerships, community workers facilitate a multidimensional approach to problem-solving, and community development seeks to ensure initiatives are impactful and sustainable over the long term. This collaborative ethos underscores the interconnectedness of all societal sectors in building healthier, more resilient communities.

Are You Interested in a Career in Community Services?

A career in community development practice and services is both challenging and rewarding. It offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of people in need. If you are passionate about helping others, advocating for social justice, and building stronger communities, a career in community service may be the right path for you. This field requires compassion, dedication, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups. If you possess these qualities, consider joining the ranks of community workers who make a positive daily impact.

In conclusion, community workers are vital to the health and well-being of our society. Their commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, promoting social justice, and building stronger communities is invaluable. As we move forward, we must recognise and support the work of these dedicated individuals. Their endeavours attend to immediate needs and establish the foundation for the sustainable development of a more equitable and united society.

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Importance of Community Workers and Their Roles

Community workers are people we rely on in emergencies. They are trained professionals who know the right solutions to health threats, or disastrous problems. We head to them to get expert help and to get rid of problematic situations before they get severe.

Students need to learn community workers so that they know whom to rely on in a crisis. Community workers like doctors, firefighters, and nurses.

Children may often avoid strangers even during an emergency because they are taught to do so at home and school. Teaching about community workers will help them recognize people that they can trust during a certain situation.

At JBM Global School, one of the top schools in Noida , students are educated not only about community workers and their roles but also about showing respect for their contributions.

In this article, we will go through the importance of community helpers and how they serve our society. Let’s dive in.

Who are Community Workers?

Community workers are citizens who work in our community t o ensure the well-being of the community. They perform their duties to ensure that people in society stay happy, safe, and healthy. Community helpers perform their duties to the best to ensure that we live in a safe environment and have the necessary services. 

Role of Community Workers

The main role of a community helper is to guide and help the members of the community to make their lives easier. They have different roles depending on the specialization they work in. However, the general role of a community worker is to be in charge of society. 

Community workers provide emotional support, guidance, and counselling to individuals and families facing various challenges. They may help with issues such as health emergencies, fire in facilities, crime reports, and lifestyle issues, performing the jobs such as house help, serving, plumbing, farming, and more.

Now that you know who is a community helper , let us look at some examples of them and learn what they do. 

Also Read :   11 Engaging Gandhi Jayanti Activities For Kids

Community Workers and Their Jobs

Here is a list of community helpers and the duties they perform:

• Doctors are experienced medical professionals who are trained and licensed to treat patients.
• They are community helpers who perform checkups and provide medicines to treat diseases.
• They work in private clinics and hospitals.

• A nurse is there to help doctors.
• Nurses work in healthcare facilities and hospitals.
• They look after the patients, interact with doctors, provide medicine, and check critical symptoms in patients.
• They play an important role in the healthcare workforce.

• The role of a teacher as a community helper is to provide education to students.
• They teach different subjects in schools, colleges, and institutions.
• Teachers are also known as nation builders.
• They also play an important role in the development and growth of the students apart from their studies.

4. Firefighter

• Firefighters are community helpers who stop fires and rescue people from fire-affected facilities.
• They work at fire stations.
• They reach the affected zone via fire trucks.
• They use fire trucks to carry necessary equipment like ladders, water tanks, ropes, and first aid.

5. Police Officers

• Police officers are responsible for protecting people from crime and threats.
• They are responsible for maintaining law and order in a particular area.
• They catch offenders and ensure the safety of people.
• A policeman also shows up in the time of emergencies and provides appropriate support.

6. Fisherman

• The role of a fisherman is to catch fish.
• They sell the fish in the fish market or to the fish seller to earn their living.
• They use fishing nets, boats, and other tools to catch fish from lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans.

7. Soldiers

• The role of the soldiers is to protect our country
• They are trained with arms and guns and work on borders.
• They fight battles to defeat the enemy.
• They are alert to any threat or danger in the country.

8. Astronauts

• An astronaut is trained to carry out experiments in outer space.
• They enter space in a spacecraft to study planets and stars.
• Astronauts play an important role in space exploration and learning about the Earth and the solar system.

• Farmers grow plants and crops to produce food for humans.
• They plant the seeds, water them, use manure, and harvest them.
• They use farming equipment to maintain the growth of the crops.
• They sell the harvested crops to customers, other farmers, and stores.

10. Mail Carrier

• A mail carrier is responsible for delivering mail and packages to homes and businesses.
• They work for postal services or courier companies.
• They organize mail and deliver them to various addresses.

11. Mechanic

• Mechanics are community helpers trained to repair and maintain vehicles and machinery.
• They work in garages, auto repair shops, or specialised workshops.
• They test mechanical issues using specialised tools.
• They do repairs, replace faulty parts, and conduct regular maintenance in vehicles.

12. Gardener

• A gardener is responsible for cultivating and maintaining plants and gardens.
• They work in parks, private residences, or botanical gardens.
• Gardeners plant a variety of flowers, trees, shrubs, and
• .They water, fertilise, prune, and weed the plants to maintain their health.

• A chef is a professional who prepares and cooks meals in restaurants, hotels, or catering services.
• They plan menus, select and prepare ingredients, and use different cooking techniques.

14. Garbage Collector

• They are our helpers who collect and dispose of trash and garbage from homes, businesses, and public areas.
• They perate garbage trucks or other collection vehicles to gather waste.
• They maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the community by keeping the surroundings free from litter.
• They contribute to waste management and environmental sustainability.

• Waiters take orders from customers and serve food and drinks in restaurants or cafes.
• They also decide on the menu and assist customers.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to inform them about the orders.

16. Janitor

• They clean and maintain the cleanliness of buildings, offices, schools, and other facilities
• They sweep, mop, and vacuum floors, dust surfaces, and empty trash bins.
• They also do minor maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs or fixing leaky faucets.
• They ensure a clean and sanitary environment for occupants.

17. Plumber

• Plumbers install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in homes, buildings, or businesses.
• They identify and fix leaks, clogs, or other plumbing issues.
• They install and connect pipes, fixtures, and appliances (e.g., sinks, toilets, water heaters).
• A plumber conducts inspections to ensure the proper functioning of plumbing systems.
• They provide solutions for water conservation and promote efficient water usage.

18. Electrician

• Electricians take care of electrical systems in facilities.
• They connect wiring, outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
• They also solve electrical problems.
• They provide electrical solutions for new constructions or renovations.

• They develop structures using bricks, stones, or concrete blocks.
• They construct walls, floors, or other structures.
• They use tools like levels, and saws to shape and cut materials.
• They assist in the construction or repair of buildings, bridges, or other masonry projects.

20. House Help

• House helpers are our helpers who assist with household chores and daily tasks in our home.
• They clean and organize rooms, sweep floors, and do laundry.
• They prepare meals or help with cooking and washing dishes.
• They also provide support in maintaining a tidy and comfortable living environment.

Community helpers work for the better of the community and help people to live a convenient life. They work to earn their living and provide support to us in different situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Community helpers help us by providing important services and support for our well-being. They include professions such as doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, teachers, garbage collectors, and many others who play vital roles in our daily lives.

They are individuals in different professions who work for the welfare and betterment of the community. They provide assistance, services, and expertise that are needed for the smooth functioning and development of society.

Appreciating community helpers can be done in several ways. You can show appreciation by saying thank you or organizing initiatives to honor their contributions.

Teaching children about community helpers is important because it helps them understand the roles of people in society. They also understand the importance of cooperation and interdependence. Children start to recognize people whom they should contact in different emergencies.

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Home > Topics > Community Health Workers: Their Important Role in Public Health

Infographics

Community Health Workers: Their Important Role in Public Health

Coronavirus / Health Care Coverage

Published on: April 07, 2021. Updated on: April 13, 2021.

This infographic shows how Community Health Workers (CHWs) promote health equity and improve public health. The CHW workforce is diverse, growing, and drawing attention to its ability to address determinants of poor health. As trusted advocates, educators and counselors embedded in their communities, CHWs facilitate culturally competent service delivery. Tapping into this workforce can strengthen the response to COVID-19 and address longstanding inequities.

This infographic was reviewed by Denise Octavia Smith, MBA, CHW, PN, Founding Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers .

Community health workers definitions : “Community Health Workers.” American Public Health Association.

CHWs’ many titles : “CDC - Community Health Worker Resources - STLT Gateway.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Aug. 2016.

Not defined by training : Opinion by Kangovi, Shreya, et al. “Opinion: This Group of Workers Could Help Turnaround Quality of Life -- and the Economy.” CNN, 10 Feb. 2021.

Advance health equity, improve health outcomes, and reduce health care costs : “Community Health Workers: Evidence of Their Effectiveness.” Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Association of Community Health Workers.

Addressing social determinants of health : Peretz, Patricia J., et al. “Community Health Workers and Covid-19 - Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Times of Crisis and Beyond: NEJM.” New England Journal of Medicine, 10 Mar. 2021.

Root causes of poor health: Opinion by Kangovi, Shreya, et al. “Opinion: This Group of Workers Could Help Turnaround Quality of Life -- and the Economy.” CNN, 10 Feb. 2021.

Examples of services CHWs provide:

• Outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy : “Support for Community Health Workers to Increase Health Access and to Reduce Health Inequities.” American Public Health Association. 10 Nov. 2009
• Translation/interpreting, health care navigation, and tracking progress : “Rural Health Information Hub.” Community Health Workers in Rural Settings Introduction.

86,000 CHWs : "Community Health Worker National Workforce Study." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Health Professions. March 2007.

Expected increase : “Health Educators and Community Health Workers: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 Sept. 2020.

Call for rapid increase: NACHW National Policy Platform: Policy Recommendations to Respect, Protect and Partner with Community Health Workers During the Pandemic and Beyond.

President Biden’s proposal : “President Biden Announces American Rescue Plan.” The White House, The United States Government, 20 Jan. 2021.

American Rescue Plan : Yarmuth, John A. “H.R.1319 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.” Congress.gov, 11 Mar. 2021,

Partners in Health : “Public Health Job Corps: Responding to COVID-19, rebuilding the community health workforce.” Partners in Health United States. Updated 22 Jan. 2021.

CHWs sharing characteristics with community members : “Role of Community Health Workers.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

CHW race and ethnicity : National Community Health Worker Advocacy Survey: 2014 Preliminary Data Report for the United States and Territories. Tucson, Arizona: Arizona Prevention Research Center, Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona; 2014.

Bilingual : “Community Health Workers in the Midwest: Understanding and developing the workforce” Wilder Research, June 2012.

CHW Employers : “Health Educators and Community Health Workers: Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 Sept. 2020.

Shift CHW employment : Malcarney MB, Pittman P, Quigley L, Horton K, Seiler N. The Changing Roles of Community Health Workers. Health Serv Res. 2017;52 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):360-382. doi:10.1111/1475-6773.12657

Evidence of CHWs Effectiveness : “Community Health Workers: Evidence of Their Effectiveness.” Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Association of Community Health Workers.

• $2.47:1 return on investment : Kangovi, Shreya, et al. “Evidence-Based Community Health Worker Program Addresses Unmet Social Needs And Generates Positive Return On Investment: Health Affairs Journal.” Health Affairs, 1 Feb. 2020.
• 34% decrease in days in hospitals: Vasan, A, Morgan, JW, Mitra, N, et al. Effects of a standardized community health worker intervention on hospitalization among disadvantaged patients with multiple chronic conditions: A pooled analysis of three clinical trials. Health Serv Res. 2020; 55: 894– 901.
• Improve Glycemic Control : Palmas W, March D, Darakjy S, Findley SE, Teresi J, Carrasquillo O, Luchsinger JA. Community Health Worker Interventions to Improve Glycemic Control in People with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Gen Intern Med. 2015 Jul;30(7):1004-12.
• Mental Health : Weaver A, Lapidos A. Mental Health Interventions with Community Health Workers in the United States: A Systematic Review. J Health Care Poor Underserved.

Role of CHWs in COVID-19 response:

• Advocate for vaccinations : “Joint Statement on Ensuring Racial Equity in the Development and Distribution of a COVID-19 Vaccine.” Health Leads, 26 Jan. 2021.
• Trusted messengers : “To Strengthen The Public Health Response To COVID-19, We Need Community Health Workers, " Health Affairs Blog, May 6, 2020.
• Build Capacity : Advancing Equity & Public Health: The Community-Based Workforce Alliance.
• Address social needs and ensure care : Peretz, Patricia J., et al. “Community Health Workers and Covid-19 - Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Times of Crisis and Beyond: NEJM.” New England Journal of Medicine, 10 Mar. 2021.

Recommendations and strategies for supporting this workforce:

• Funding, training, integrate, and promote : “Advancing the Profession of Community Health Workers: CHRT.” Center for Health & Research Transformation, 19 Feb. 2021.
• Combat compassion fatigue : “Battling Burnout: Self-Care and Organizational Tools to Increase Community Health Worker Retention and Satisfaction.” Health Leads, 23 Jan. 2020.
• More research is needed : Peretz, Patricia J., et al. “Community Health Workers and Covid-19 - Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Times of Crisis and Beyond: NEJM.” New England Journal of Medicine, 10 Mar. 2021.

The National Association of Community Health Workers :

An Environmental Scan to Inform Community Health Worker Strategies within the Morehouse National COVID-19 Resiliency Network : Jane Berry, Aurora GrantWingate, and Denise Octavia Smith. The National Association of Community Health Workers, the Morehouse School of Medicine, and the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network. December 2020.

NACHW National Policy Platform : Policy Recommendations to Respect, Protect and Partner with Community Health Workers During the Pandemic and Beyond.

The Penn Center for Community Health Workers

Rural Community Health Workers Toolkit : Rural Health Information Hub

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health Blog : Proctor, Dwayne. “Community Health Workers: Walking In The Shoes of Those They Serve.” RWJF , 2 Feb. 2021.

Marill, Michele Cohen. “Community Health Workers, Often Overlooked, Bring Trust to the Pandemic Fight.” Kaiser Health News , 10 Feb. 2021 .

Waters, Rob, et al. “Community Workers Lend Human Connection To COVID-19 Response: Health Affairs Journal.” Health Affairs , 1 July 2020,

Shreya Kangovi, Uché Blackstock. “Opinion | Community Health Workers Are Essential in This Crisis. We Need More of Them.” The Washington Post , WP Company, 3 July 2020.

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Community Development Workers Face Exploratory Essay

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Community development (CD) can be defined as the empowerment of members of a community. This empowerment is tailored to ensure that the members of the community are not only willing, but also able to make good decisions about their lives. Community development is relevant in any country, regardless of whether the country is a developing country or an already developed country.

Although term community development is mainly used to refer to the economic empowerment of a community, this is not all community development is about. CD is not only meant for economic related concepts, but also for other life concepts that are of concern. It could revolve around education, politics, and health among other things. There are very many people who work as community development workers.

They include civil servants, teachers, and those working in non- governmental organizations that deal with community development. In as much as these and other community development workers work to make the community self sufficient, there are very many challenges, tensions, and dilemmas that get in their way. The community development workers have to be good at what they do, despite all these challenges.

A community development worker is supposed to be well trained in order to do his or her work accordingly. A CD worker is also supposed to be organized, a good facilitator, a good public speaker, able to work in teams, and a good problem solver. There are, however, very many challenges that make community development workers unable to be the best that they can be.

Some of these challenges are personal while others affect every community development worker regardless of the region they are located. The most common personal dilemmas that the community development workers face revolve around individual ethics. The other problems that CD workers face revolve around governments, funding, and social problems among other issues (Hoggett, Mayo, & Miller, 2008, p. 34).

One of the biggest challenges that make the community development worker’s work difficult is shallow training. There are many universities and colleges that offer community development as a course, yet most of their students cannot solve some of the common problems in their respective societies. The Kenyan society has had its share of community development projects.

The country is categorized as a developing country in Africa. However, there are very many members of this country who do not know how to make fulfilling decisions. This is mainly visible in matters that concern finances. Very many of the elderly in the community are illiterate and they cannot make decisions concerning education and health.

This presents a huge challenge to the community development workers in the country. CD workers are unable to have satisfactory conversations and projects with some of the members of the community due to language barriers among other barriers. The students who have taken the course in schools have also not been well trained.

The school curriculum is not sufficient for the societal problems that Kenya and other developing countries face. It is possible to find that the students taking CD courses use case studies that were relevant more than a decade ago. The students should be encouraged to use recent case studies even though the lessons of the past might be useful in solving some of the problems today.

This will not only ensure that students can think on their feet, but it will also ensure that the solutions that they come up with in the future for the societal problems will be relevant. Failure to ensure that the students keep relevant can lead to low standards among community development workers.

Another challenge that the community development workers in many areas face is culture. There are various types of cultures that an individual can have. For example, an individual can have the culture that they were born in. One could be an Asian, thereby possessing the Asian culture.

There are also cultures that one adopts as they socialize in life. Workmates in the same company have a certain work culture that might be different from the work culture of the members of another company. The cultures that are adopted through the process of socialization shape the personalities, attitudes, and beliefs of the individual in question.

Some of the cultures that members of the community have made it impossible for the community development workers to do their job sufficiently. For example, one of the commonest cultures in the Latina community is that in a restaurant, the waiter should give the client the bill only after the client has asked for it. Giving the client the bill before they ask for it is considered rude and unacceptable.

This has put the Latinos in awkward positions with other cultures, especially the white people who do not agree with the practice.

In relation to community development, it is possible to find that many restaurant owners believe that people from the Latino community are not good customers because they are known to run away without paying their bills. The other communities, therefore, shun the Latinos, thereby making it impossible for the community development workers work with them.

The community development workers also get little support for their projects. There are governments that do not allow some types of community development projects. For example, the Gladstone’s Philip Street social services hub in Australia has had a hard time getting the required funding from the federal government. The project involves child care, retirement, and entertainment concepts that were to be set up in the region.

All the facilities that were to be included in the project were for the benefit of the community. However, the politics and the ethics of the federal government did not allow this project to go through.

This is just one example of some of the community development projects that have been rejected by governments over the years. Many of the governments have claimed that the projects that were rejected were either irrelevant or very expensive. This denied them the desired support.

There are also projects that have been approved by governments but have never been implemented. These include the projects that are implemented slowly and for very many years. Such projects waste time and do not help the community in any way.

This shows that the community development worker who was involved in the creation of a concept that was supposed to be helpful to the community did his/her part of the work had no impact on changing of the community for the better. This, in turn, means that the community involved will still be lagging behind in some aspects.

For example, the Clean Development Mechanism project that is designed to help in the conservation of the environment has met one challenge after the other. This is a project that is to be implemented in very many countries that formed the treaty.

There is no one country that has achieved the full goals of this project up to today. Other countries that are also included in this treaty have not done anything toward the implementation of the treaty. The governments of these countries can be blamed for this.

Politics and politicians can also present a big challenge to the community development workers. Politics can do this by refusing grants that are forwarded to fund such developments. They also present challenges by linking all the community development projects to politics. This becomes a disadvantage to the community development worker as some members of the community might not be comfortable with the project.

This is mainly true in the areas that did not vote for the government in power. The bitterness that the members of the specific community might have toward the government might make them refuse any kind of community development project supported by the government.

It is true that all community development projects rely on the members of the community. The project is seen as a failure if members of the community refuse to participate in the project for any reason whatsoever.

The formulation of policies for the community development projects also presents several challenges. In most countries, community development projects are usually funded by non-governmental organizations and the government itself. It is very difficult to find individuals funding entire community development projects.

The sponsors usually want the projects to be finished as quickly as possible since they have very little to gain from the community development project. This might mean overlooking some of the important aspects that might make a huge difference. This, in turn, leads to short term results.

The community might get the knowledge that was being passed, but forget the lessons after a short while. This takes the entire community one step backwards. Such projects are usually beneficial to the sponsors who want to create a better image of themselves to the public.

It has also been evident that the rate of change in general in the world is greater than that of community development policies. This means that the world is changing at a very fast rate such that community development workers have a hard time catching up.

For instance, the policies that were used last year to solve the problems of a community are not applicable this year to solve the problems of the same community. This might be due to different factors. For example, new challenges might have arisen, making the specific policy that was used a year ago useless.

It is also possible that the technological advancements that are experienced in the world play a major role in the failure of community development workers. These technological advancements have created new problems that CD workers have to address on a daily basis.

Another dilemma that the community development workers face is intertwining and connecting social factors. In this day and age, there are very many factors in the community that are related. This means that changing one factor might affect other factors directly or indirectly and the results can be good or bad.

The community development worker has to ensure that the factors that will be affected by the change they are advocating for are not depended upon by the community in question (Brake & Deller, 2008, p. 94). For example, the issue of street urchins has been among the hotly debated topics in many developing and developed countries.

Many of the projects that have been put up to ensure the removal of children from the streets have proven futile. Most of the developing countries have tried putting street teenagers and kids in school and children’s homes. However, many of the street urchins are unable to stay in school and in the homes. They, therefore, run away. The factors that revolve around this issue of street urchins include socialization and culture.

Many parents do not feel safe when their children interact with street urchins. This gives the street urchins a very hard time at school. Sadly, very few people in the community want to be associated with street urchins. These, among other factors, have made the community development projects related to improving the lives of the street urchins difficult, if not impossible.

In the same breath, building of rehab centres in the cities has led to an increase in the number of people abusing drugs. This might not have been the intention of the community development workers who advocated for the rehab centres. In this scenario building of the rehab centres affects another social factor by increasing the number of people who abuse drugs.

There are also the ethical challenges and dilemmas that the community development worker faces. These ethical challenges also affect the work quality of the community development worker in question. Respect is one of the most conflicting factors in community development. Most community development workers interact with the members of the community closely.

CD workers are supposed to respect the views and opinions of the individuals that they interact with. However, there are some times when the individual themselves might be rude toward the community development worker.

This puts the worker in a bad position since they are not supposed to argue with the people they are interacting, despite feeling hurt and probably wanting to become defensive (Hoggett, Mayo, & Miller, 2008, p. 34).

Another ethical dilemma that any community development worker faces is not being in agreement with the project at hand. For example, an individual might not be comfortable teaching the public about reproductive health because they are shy, or their culture does not allow such discussions.

However, the CD worker will have to do the project if they are in need of work. Unfortunately, the fact that they are not comfortable with the work might affect the end results of the project.

There are also some sponsors who engage in community development for other reasons apart from helping the society. Many governments have experienced this problem. Some of the decisions that the government makes are not only to help the citizens of the specific country, but also to benefit them individually.

For example, projects that involve the construction of dams, wells, and schools among other facilities can be awarded to personal friends of the government. Even though this problem does not affect the community directly, it is an ethical dilemma for the community development worker and might affect their desire to do the project.

There are very many challenges that the community development worker has to overcome in order to do their job accordingly. Many of the problems that have been discussed are brought about by governments and the society. The problems that the community development worker faces due to personal attitude, beliefs, and culture are very minimal.

Despite these challenges and dilemmas, the community development worker is expected to be a good facilitator and problem-solver. One thing that is clear is that the work of the community development workers will be reduced to identifying problems in the society and not being able to solve them if the problems the CD workers face are not addressed exhaustively.

Reference List

Brake, R & Deller, U 2008 , Community development: A European challenge, Barbra Budrich Publishers, Stauffenbergstr, Germany

Hoggett, P, Mayo, M, & Miller, C 2008, The dilemmas of development work: Ethical challenges in regeneration, The Policy Press, Bristol, UK

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1. IvyPanda . "Community Development Workers Face." June 14, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/community-development-workers-face/.

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Community Practice in Social Work: Reflections on Its First Century and Directions for the Future

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New England Journal of Public Policy

Home > NEJPP > Vol. 20 > Iss. 1 (2004)

Essay on Community

Hubie Jones

Family and community are human organisms that are the bedrock of any society. They provide the sustenance, values, direction, and protection that make it possible for individuals who live in a defined location to prosper and thrive singularly and collectively. Community is the social structure that mediates between the individual resident and the state and private elites, guiding social transactions between these different worlds to advance and protect the interests and needs of individuals and groups within neighborhoods or local communities.

Recommended Citation

Jones, Hubie (2004) "Essay on Community," New England Journal of Public Policy : Vol. 20: Iss. 1, Article 5. Available at: https://scholarworks.umb.edu/nejpp/vol20/iss1/5

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4 Tips for Writing Perfect University of Washington Essays

College Essays

The University of Washington is often ranked among public Ivy Leagues —that is, public schools with the academic clout and selectivity to elevate their reputations. So if you want to be a Husky, it's not just about good grades and test scores. You'll also need to prove yourself with a good University of Washington essay, combining your technical skill with your knowledge of the school and your reasons for wanting to attend to attract attention from admissions officers.

But to do that, you need to know how to write great UW essays. The University of Washington uses the Common Application , which can be submitted to multiple schools and includes an essay section with several different prompts. The supplemental UW essay prompts are pretty standard, but we have all the helpful tips you need to make sure your application is set to impress.

Feature Image: Cody Logan/ Wikimedia

What's Included in the University of Washington Essay Section?

There are two required essays you need to write for the University of Washington, along with an optional third essay. These essays are:

• Common App essay (650 words)
• Short response (300 words)
• Additional information (optional, 200 words)

Part of the Common App includes answering an essay prompt in 650 words or less. While there are seven Common App essay prompts, the University of Washington doesn't allow you to choose which prompt to answer; all applicants must answer the same prompt and submit them as part of their Common Application .  

The University of Washington application also includes a required short response question of 300 words and an optional short essay of 200 words.

Additional space is available, but it's recommended that you don't take it unless you absolutely need it. Show restraint when responding to UW essay prompts; it shows that you can be concise and follow directions , and you won't run the risk of volunteering too much information or making yourself memorable for the wrong reasons. That said, we'll cover some exceptions below!

What Is the Common Application Essay Prompt?

Although there are seven Common App essay prompts , the University of Washington requires you to answer a specific prompt; you don't get to choose. The maximum length of this essay is 650 words, but the University of Washington recommends the essay be closer to 300-400 words.

This is the Common App essay prompt you must answer:

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

This essay prompt is pretty broad; it allows you to focus on any significant experience in your life. To answer it effectively, you'll want to relate a specific anecdote or event that had a strong impact on you as a person and how you define yourself today.

When answering this prompt, you'll want to choose a particularly significant experience. It doesn't need to be super rare, but the experience should hold deep meaning for you. Ask yourself: what defines you? What do you find important? Can you connect a key part of your personality or a goal you have to a specific event in your life?

You should also focus on only one experience. Don't try to cram in as many stories as possible—concentrate on the one incident that's most important to you, and use this essay as a chance to really delve into the specifics of it. How did the experience make you feel at the time? Why did it have such an impact on you?

If you decide to write about a negative experience, try to put a positive spin on it. You don't need to stick with a happy-go-lucky story—maybe you lost a friend because of a heated argument, or forgot to pick up your little brother from school one day. Regardless of the incident, keep the focus on how this situation ultimately taught you something important about life, such as the value of responsibility or the meaning of maturity.

Tips For Brainstorming Topics for Your University of Washington Essay

If you're struggling to come up with an experience to write about, try these brainstorming ideas:

• A time you helped someone in need, such as a friend, a classmate, or a sibling, and how your assistance revealed to you the value of cooperation or compassion. For example, did you tutor a peer in math? Help your sibling recover from a bullying incident?
• A time you made a mistake or acted against your true character and what this taught you about morality and being true to yourself. Perhaps you lied about a grade you got to your parents or said something out of anger to a friend and later regretted it.
• An incident that emphasizes a particular skill or ability you have. For example, you could write about the time you organized a winter holiday food drive at your high school and how it highlights your leadership skills and passion for social work.
• A time you faced a challenge and how you ultimately overcame it. Maybe you struggled severely with geometry and were about to fail your math class, but because of a great friend who encouraged you to keep trying, you eventually raised your grade from a D- to a B.

When writing this essay, make sure to avoid pretending something is more important or unique than it actually is. Don't tell a story the admissions committee has likely heard hundreds of times. Choose an event that speaks to your life and has had a large impact on how you see yourself. Basically, don't write about what you think the admissions committee wants to read. For example, instead of discussing how you've been in Honor Society since 9th grade, it'll be a lot more interesting if you wrote about somebody you met through Honor Society or why you decided to drop out of it.

Also, don't focus too much on the negative part of the story. While it's OK to write about a time when you made a mistake, did something wrong, or faced a challenge, try to avoid writing only about the bad parts. Your story should overall be optimistic and reveal something positive about yourself.

What Is the Short Answer Prompt?

Once you've finished the Common Application essay, the University of Washington has an additional requirement for you—a short response question with a 300 word limit.

The University of Washington suggests that concise writing is particularly valuable, and recommends that the Common App essay be between 300 and 400 words rather than 650. Though they don't offer word count recommendations for the other prompts, it's best to assume they're looking for short answers. Cutting out 100 words might feel excessive, but do try to leave some breathing room within your essay rather than squeaking in right under the allotted 300 words .

Additionally, the University of Washington states that students tend to answer this essay more informally than the longer essay. However, they expect formal, polished essays for both prompts, so don't slack off on proofreading or editing this essay.

For the UW short response essay, here is the required prompt:

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW.

UW offers a helpful tip right below the prompt: "Keep in mind that the UW strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints." What this means is that UW wants to see students who are going to be right at home in that diverse student body. When answering this question, consider specifically what you might add to the community. What perspective do you bring? What traits make you a good fit?

Some students might struggle with this, because it's easy to assume that UW means they're only looking for students from diverse backgrounds, such as students of color, LGBTQ+ students, or students of other marginalized identities. But the prompt doesn't at all mean that you have no chance if you don't belong to one of those communities. Students who fit into those groups may have an easier time of identifying what diversity they bring to the school, but belonging to a marginalized group doesn't in any way guarantee admission.

The University of Washington is looking for students who foster and embrace diversity, so be sure to think on those terms. Consider, for example, how your rambunctious family Thanksgiving taught you to embrace chaos, and how your ability to stop Great Aunt Kathy from throwing mashed potatoes at your cousin for bringing up a sensitive political issue translates to a college campus. Think about how having several different friend groups in high school—nerds and jocks, for example—taught you to move between spaces while always being your authentic self.

For students who are of marginalized backgrounds, the same advice still applies. You likely have different lived experiences than other students, but UW wants to know exactly what you're going to bring to the student community . You can discuss advocacy work, for example, or how your less advantageous upbringing taught you to work hard for everything you want. Always come back to that request to "Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW."

Embracing diversity isn't just about being a member of a marginalized community; think about how you participate in your social groups and how your experiences before college will help you have and, more importantly, create a good experience for others. Again, it's not about what identity you do or do not have, but rather about how you build communities and support others. UW is a big school, but you'll still be interacting with people from all walks of life on a daily basis—how will you navigate difference and fit into a student body made up of so many different people?

Let UW know exactly how they're going to help you make a slam dunk.

What Should You Add in the Additional Information Section?

The University of Washington essay prompt offers an additional 200 words for you to talk about yourself and your unique circumstances. This section is optional, and UW advises that the following types of students may benefit from taking the opportunity to expand on their application:

• You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education
• Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations
• You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

Even if you don't fall into one of these groups, it's wise to take advantage of this additional space. Everyone has a goal that's important to them, after all, which is explicitly included in the second bullet point. However, you only have 200 words, so you'll need to make them count .

Again, UW mentions earlier in their guidelines for the writing section that they value brevity. Don't try to hit that 200 word mark just because it's there—use only the space that you need. Be succinct and clear about any obstacles you've overcome, what draws you to your major, and what makes you want to attend UW specifically.

For example, say you, like many prospective UW students, are interested in becoming a doctor. The University of Washington is highly ranked among medical schools , so saying you want to go there because it's a good medical program isn't doing any legwork in setting you apart from other students . Instead, use this space to talk about why your major is important to you, and why placement at UW is going to help you achieve more.

Following the medical school example, maybe your primary care doctor was a UW grad, and the depth of care they gave you convinced you it wasn't just what you know as a doctor that matters, but also how you deploy that knowledge. Because you want to make the same difference in somebody's life, you're applying to UW to have access to the same information and instruction that your doctor did. In essence, use this space to explain something you didn't have space to explain elsewhere, but make it count .

Be careful not to retread the same ground! This is an opportunity to flesh out your application, not to hammer something home. If you haven't had a chance to discuss that your grades slipped sophomore year because of a family illness or that your local library has a special box for you because of all the engineering books you keep checking out, now's the time to mention it. Keep it short, direct, and original—the admissions office is reading this supplemental section in the context of your application, so you don't need to revisit anything.

Careful not to fall into the trap of using more space than you need.

Should You Use the Additional Space? How?

It can be tempting to use UW's provided additional space to squeeze a few more words into your application, but resist it . Those word counts are there for a reason, and you should aim to get under, not exceed them.

That said, there are legitimate reasons to use this additional space. The University of Washington mentions clarifying answers from elsewhere on the application or providing extra information to the admissions office.

If you have special considerations as a student that you want to be sure the office is aware of, but that you didn't discuss in the previous additional information section, you could include that here. You could also include relevant awards or distinguishing recognition you've received. If your high school had an unusual grading system, it might be useful to explain how to interpret your grades.

But don't take the lack of a word requirement to mean that you can talk about whatever you want, or that you should use this space to expand on one of your earlier essays . Use only what you need, no more. Try to keep it under 200 words. Brevity is important!

Tips and Advice for the University of Washington Essays

Specific advice for each prompt will help you craft a better essay, but there are some general things to keep in mind, too !

Proofread Your UW Essays

It's a small space, so there should be fewer mistakes, right? Nope . You still need to proofread . Consider writing your essays by hand and then transcribing the drafts—it feels like more work, but turning written words into typed words is a great way to spot mistakes. Go through multiple drafts, and read your essay out loud before you submit it.

Don't let typos get through; no matter how good the rest of your essay is, a typo will make it look as though you didn't edit it at all, suggesting you didn't take your time. Do everything you can to avoid the perception that you wrote it up without thinking! On the UW admission website they are very specific that you should “write like it matters, not like you’re texting. This is an application for college, not a message to your friend.”

Get Editing Help

Seek feedback from those you trust, not just those who are going to tell you your essays are great . You want your essays to be as good as possible, so let people who are going to be truthful with you make suggestions. They'll help you write a better essay, and a fresh pair of eyes can spot holes in your logic and errors you might miss after repeated revisions.

Think about going to teachers or counselors rather than friends or family. Though they undoubtedly want to help you, they might also be worried about hurting your feelings. Someone who's a little more objective but still wants to see you succeed is the kind of editor you want.

Be Specific

Always remember that you're applying to the University of Washington. Don't just write an essay that could impress any college (that's what the Common Application essay is for!); write one that ties into UW's core values . Their vision includes an emphasis on discovery, research, community, optimism, and even celebrating the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. All of these are angles ripe for exploration in your essays . If one of your answers is lacking, try folding a little of this vision into it by finding parts of your essay that match the mission and making them stand out more.

Read Essays That Got Students Into UW

It can be tricky finding essays that got applicants into UW, but it can also be a great indicator of what the school values in an application. Take these essays by Issa Rice . Though written for a different set of prompts, it's not hard to see why Rice was accepted.

Notice how his essays could only come from him; they're so tied to personal experience that it's unlikely anyone else would have the same essay. That's the kind of personalization you want to strive for. Your essay should speak about your own unique experience and leave the admissions office with a clearer picture of who you are as a person, not just as a collection of grades and test scores.

What's Next?

Crafting a perfect essay is just one part of the admissions process to the University of Washington. Because UW is a moderately selective school, you need to be aware of all admissions requirements before applying to be sure that your application is up to snuff .

As you're writing and rewriting your UW essay, be sure that it meets all the guidelines of a good college essay in addition to the UW requirements. A little extra polish will go a long way to cementing your application in the admission office's memory!

If you're struggling to understand why UW uses the Coalition App and what that means, never fear! We have all the information on what distinguishes one application system from another , helping you plan your college applications with less stress.

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being.

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