Web Design as Community Service

<p>Hi,
I am guessing this is a bit off topic from most of the topics currently in this forum since final college decisions are coming up soon.</p>

<p>Anyway, I am currently a sophomore in highschool. I am looking to get involved in some type of community service. Ideally I want to make my own thing.</p>

<p>I have a strong interest in computers, and came up with the idea to offer web design services to downtown small businesses in my town.</p>

<p>I am looking to probably due Computer Science in college, or economics, or both.</p>

<p>I am sure I will be able to get plenty of hours from it, my question is how do you think it would look to colleges to say I spent X amount of hours helping out local businesses with web design, especially if I have an interest in computer science/other computer related things.</p>

<p>My parents don't seem to very supportive at this point. They don't think it is really "community" service. They think I should look to do something for under privileged children or disabled children. Or do something to help the needy such as working at a soup kitchen.</p>

<p>Yes I could probably do that, but my idea is something I would enjoy doing and have a strong interest in. It would also give me some general experience in web design stuff.</p>

<p>In terms of my experience, I plan to use Adobe Dreamweaver. Right now my skills are pretty basic but I plan to self teach myself from a book or two for the next month or two if I really get myself set on the idea.</p>

<p>Are my parents right? Or is it a viable community service options? What do you think colleges will think from that?</p>

<p>Thank you very much.</p>

<p>Anyone? I would really appreciate any feedback at all.</p>

<p>Designing websites for businesses (large or small) sounds more like serving businesses rather than the community. So design websites, but instead of businesses, focus on community organizations or local nonprofits as your primary clients. This way you’ll have your cake and eat it too.</p>