What does the future of fundraising, leadership, volunteerism and service look like?

In response to a growing demand for more youth volunteer and leadership opportunities at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), our Community Fundraising team engaged with volunteers and community members to create a structured youth service experience that helps adolescents form a deeper connection to CHOP’s mission — and gain lifelong skills to lead with purpose. From those initial conversations, Project Impact was born. 

Project Impact is a 4-month cohort program designed to develop the next generation of purpose-driven leaders, doers and changemakers. Built around four key pillars — learn, lead, volunteer and serve — Project Impact empowers middle school and high school students to leverage their strengths and interests for good. 

Our inaugural cohort includes 16 participants – each of whom holds a personal relationship with CHOP. Their goal? To use their time, talent and ties to collectively raise $50,000 for Patient and Family Services at CHOP. 

Throughout their journey, they will connect with CHOP’s top breakthrough makers, enhance their communication skills and volunteer at a CHOP signature event. The experience concludes with a day of service where the students will assemble activity kits for patients coping with inpatient stays. The funds they raise will cover the supplies for the kits, giving them a tangible opportunity to see their impact in action.

Maria Kalogredis, a volunteer on CHOP’s Corporate Council through her roles as Chief People Officer of Wawa, Inc. and Chair of The Wawa Foundation, is thrilled to have two of her children enrolled in the new initiative. 

“I was really excited about Project Impact and the fact that CHOP was pulling this together as an opportunity for my kids to get involved – to really experience firsthand some of the things that I’ve been able to experience,” Kalogredis says. “[They will] have great opportunities to give back to the community, connect with CHOP and start building leadership skills.” 

In honor of National Volunteer Week 2026, we are proud to spotlight several of these extraordinary young individuals, who are ready and eager to make a difference in the world today and in the years to come. 

Student spotlights

Genevieve, 6th grade

Question: Why is volunteering important?

Answer: It’s important to give back to the community. Even if you think you’re not getting anything out of it [right away], I think that you get something greater out of it. You get the feeling of accomplishment and the sense that you really did something good.

Q: What is your personal connection to CHOP?

A: I’ve been a patient at CHOP for almost my whole life. Every single time, whether it’s a checkup or a big procedure, the staff always make you feel comfortable. You know you’re in good hands. It’s really important, especially in healthcare, to make people safe and comfortable.

Jae, 6th grade

Q: What are you good at that’s going to help Project Impact be successful?

A: I think I’m really good at organizing. I am going to help organize these programs and how much money we raise.

Nora, 6th grade

Q: What kind of leader do you want to be?

A: I want to be a leader that people look up to and they’re like, “Wow, I want to do that too.” I want to inspire other people to do things like Project Impact because it’s a really good cause.

Q: What would you tell other kids your age about participating in Project Impact?

A: Even though you’re young, you can make a big difference.

Vaia, 10th grade

Q: Why did you want to participate in Project Impact?

A: Project Impact is a really special experience to be able to talk with people who work at CHOP, make connections and gain a lot of skills. I am hoping to learn more about psychology, neuroscience and working with kids through real-life experiences and from the people who work at CHOP.