<p>Posting for my DD: Can any current students please comment on volunteer opportunities in the Stanford area? Specifically, can a student volunteer in a local school, shelter, retirement home, etc. in the Stanford (Palo Alto) area if s/he does not have a car on campus?</p>
<p>There are plenty of volunteer opportunites at Stanford. As for volunteering in local schools I know of a certain tutoring service (my friend is in it) which tutors local students and the best thing is that the students come to Stanford so you don't need to drive anywhere. Other than that there's also ASB (alternate spring break) which help out people both in the area and across america! There are also tons of other opportunities that I've simply haven't heard of (I've only been there for a quarter!)</p>
<p>There are multiple organizations that tutor at local elementary/high schools. They focus on science, reading, or just bonding and having a good relationship. Many of these clubs arrange carpools, so she won't need to have a car. I am also aware of at least 3 clinical volunteering oportunities off campus (at VA hospitals or free health clinics) that arrange carpools.</p>
<p>There are definetely many volunteering oppurtunities offered through the university and the Haas center for public service at Stanford. At the beginning of the year, the Haas center usually has a "fair" where undergraduate and graduate vounteering organizations have a chance to solicit themselves to students. I, myself have had excellent experiences with the stanford habitat for humanity group and a few other outreach volunteer programs. Stanford also offers volunteering programs during breaks; one popular choice is the alternative spring break.
As for transportation, we usually take the free shuttle service at Stanford ( The marguerite) that takes us around the campus and Palo Alto. For projects that are farther out like Habitat, a graduate student or upperclassman always arranges to take the student. It's all very organized.
Hope that helps.</p>