Volunteers will be matched with partner organizations to complete a service project on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The City of Boulder’s Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) is seeking youth volunteers to participate in the 2026 MLK Jr. Youth Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
"Volunteering is an opportunity to honor the work of Dr. King as a 'day-on' rather than a 'day off,'” said Youth Opportunities Project Manager Mario Martinez-Varelas. “The city is excited to work with community partners and youth for projects and programs that honor Dr. King's work and enrich our community."
This year, service opportunities include maintaining winter green houses with Growing Gardens and assisting with event logistics for MLK Jr. Day performances at the Boulder Jewish Community Center. Additional opportunities may be available.
Participants must be:
- Available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
- Between the ages of 13 to 18.
- Able to arrange their own transportation to/from volunteering sites.
The MLK Jr. Youth Day of Service will begin with a lunch gathering from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the city's New Britain Building at 1101 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO, 80302. Youth participants will receive a volunteer t-shirt and lunch. Opening comments and activity assignments will be provided by YOAB members and city staff at the lunch gathering.
Since 2015, more than 150 high school students have completed service projects during the MLK Jr. Youth Day of Service. Past service opportunities have included work on the city’s Comprehensive Plan and support for Motus Theater events.
Interested youth can apply to volunteer using the city’s online form. Applications are open through Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. If you have questions about the MLK Jr. Youth Day of Service, please contact Mario Martinez-Varelas at Martinez-VarelasM@bouldercolorado.gov or by phone at 720-498-2482.