Student Volunteer Research Assistant – Universal School Meals Project

<p>We are seeking a high school or college student for a short-term, project-based volunteer opportunity to help research which school districts across the United States offer universal school meals. This role is ideal for a student who is organized, detail-oriented, and interested in education, public policy, nutrition, or nonprofit research. This is a volunteer position with a defined scope, deliverable, and deadline. It is not an internship or fellowship.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Research school district policies and practices related to universal school meals</li> <li>Review school district websites and other public sources to identify relevant information</li> <li>Track and organize findings in a spreadsheet or similar format</li> <li>Document sources clearly for verification</li> <li>Flag missing, unclear, or conflicting information</li> <li>Help prepare a final organized list of school districts offering universal school meals</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>High school or college student</li> <li>Strong attention to detail and organizational skills</li> <li>Comfortable conducting online research independently</li> <li>Able to meet deadlines and follow project guidance</li> <li>Interest in education, child nutrition, public policy, or nonprofit work is a plus</li> <li>Experience with spreadsheets is helpful but not required</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Time Commitment</strong></p> <ul> <li>Short-term, project-based volunteer role</li> <li>Estimated commitment: 5-10 hours per week</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>What the Student Will Gain</strong></p> <ul> <li>Hands-on research experience</li> <li>Exposure to a national issue affecting children and families</li> <li>Opportunity to build analytical and organizational skills</li> <li>Volunteer experience that can be included on a résumé or college application</li> </ul>