Student Heroes
Student Heroes
Our Mission
The mission of the Student Heroes high school program is to provide opportunities for students to develop and nurture their leadership and project management skills while supporting the Houston Food Bank’s mission to provide food for better lives.
Who are Student Heroes?
Student Heroes are often multifaceted and dedicated to a plethora of hobbies. Our students tend to be part of multiple clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities. Our students are also stellar academic students, many of whom score in top percentiles in their SATs and ACTs. Students who participate in our student volunteer program tend to be athletes, leaders and future entrepreneurs from varying backgrounds and interests all while remaining persistent in giving back at the Food Bank.
Expectations
- Commit one year of service to experience the full project management training.
- Pass Side Job and Project Leader Certification Quizzes.
- Develop lifelong professional skills to enhance job and college applications.
Benefits
- Student Hero Certificate (at the end of each completed session)
- Letter of Recommendation (after 100 hours of service)
- Special events and recognition awards
- The rewarding feeling of helping to alleviate food insecurity in the 18 counties served by the Houston Food Bank
- Being a vital member of Houston Food Bank’s family
Project Mentees (Green Lanyards)
- Introductory crew for all Student Heroes
- Volunteer alongside regular volunteers and support project leaders by being a friendly and knowledgeable resource for new volunteers
- Attend workshops targeted towards personal development
Project Assistants (Purple Lanyards)
- Students who have passed the Side Job evaluations and other completion metrics
- Lead Side Jobs in all projects and maintain safety standards in the project areas
- Shadow and assist project leaders in preparation to lead projects in the future
- Attend workshops targeted towards leadership development
Project Experts (Orange Lanyards)
- Students who pass the Project Leader evaluations and other completion metrics
- Lead and facilitate projects independently
- Have extensive knowledge of every project and production area
- Train new students and work on specialized leadership tracks
- Access special volunteer opportunities within different departments
How to Apply:
All volunteers must be signed up in our volunteer system. Eligible students will automatically receive an invitation to apply once the participation requirements are met.
Requirements
- Must have already completed 12 hours of volunteering at Houston Food Bank
- Must be at least 14 years of age and attend a high school in the 18-county service area of Houston Food Bank
- Must be able to commit 50 volunteer hours per session, with 25 hours completed by the middle of each session
- Must have a desire to grow leadership skills
- Must represent Houston Food Bank and respectful the Student Hero program in a positive manner
- If you do not meet these requirements, please consider joining Apple Core.
Student Hero Summer Session Exceptions:
- Rising 9th graders are eligible to apply as long as they meet all the above criteria
- Summer is broken into 2 sessions; each session has a 30-hour volunteer requirement. If a student chooses to participate in a full summer session, they must have 30 hours by July 1st to maintain their membership
Application
Thank you for your interest in joining the Student Heroes Program. Please ensure you have reviewed the Requirements & Benefits before starting an application. If the desired session application is not posted please check back during the dates below. If you are a continuing student, you will receive an application with your End-of-Session Application.
- Fall 2026 Applications (New Students): Opens June 20, 2026
- Spring 2027 Applications (New Students): Opens October 1st, 2026
To learn more about Student Heroes, you can speak with a current Student Hero or email the leadership team below.
Thank you for your commitment to service and your interest in growing as a leader. Check back here for the Student Hero Application when it opens!
Continuing to the Next Session
Failure to complete the form may result in removal from the roster and ineligibility for orientation or recognition.
Returning After An Inactive Period
If you’re taking a break or pausing your participation, you’re welcome to return — just follow the steps below:
Keep up with our Student Heroes!
Follow our @hfbstudentheroes on Instagram for happenings and updates.
