Coastal Heritage Society (CHS) is launching its first-ever Volunteer Teen Board and is seeking students for the inaugural 2025-2026 Coastal Heritage Society Teen Board Youth Volunteer Program. 

The Volunteer Teen Board is designed to give local high school students opportunities for leadership, volunteerism, and deeper engagement with Savannah’s rich cultural history while expanding CHS’s educational programs.

The 2025-2026 program will bring together a select group of motivated, community-minded students to serve as ambassadors, provide youth perspectives on museum initiatives, and participate in hands-on volunteer projects at CHS sites.

“We are thrilled to launch this new initiative that empowers young people to take an active role in shaping educational programming in Savannah,” said Elisabeth Chappell, CHS Youth Education & Savannah Children's Museum Manager. “The Volunteer Teen Board will help students grow as leaders while ensuring our museums continue to welcome, engage, and inspire future generations.”

Coastal Heritage Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that operates six historic museums in Savannah, Georgia: Savannah History Museum, Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Pin Point Heritage Museum, and Harper Fowlkes House. CHS is also preparing to open the new STEAM Center, an indoor expansion of Savannah Children’s Museum, in late 2025.

Teen Board members will volunteer at CHS museums and events, recruit fellow teen volunteers, and share input on how STEAM and historical programming impacts local youth and their communities. They will also contribute ideas for developing future programs at Coastal Heritage Society. 

Applications open September 1, 2025, for students in grades 9-12 who live in Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, and Beaufort counties. Public, private, and homeschooled students are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted from September 1-21, 2025.

Students selected for the Teen Board will have the opportunity to fulfill high school community service volunteer requirements, build their resumes, and gain valuable leadership experience. 

For more information or to apply, visit: https://chsgeorgia.org/teen-board-youth-volunteer/