Volunteer With Us

We depend on our literacy volunteers. Come meet inspiring adults with diverse experiences and make a difference their lives.

Volunteer

About Volunteering

Help Change Lives Through Literacy

Our learners are waiting for you! You don’t need prior teaching experience, only your enthusiasm, patience, and compassion.

As a Beyond Literacy (BeLit) volunteer, you can expect to:

  • Attend a free two-part training prior to volunteering
  • Commit to working with us for at least 6 months
  • Receive full support from a staff member assigned to you
  • Have opportunities for coaching and additional training
  • Have your choice of in-person or remote volunteer opportunities
  • Receive recognition and invitations to our special events throughout the year
  • Make a difference in someone’s life!

    Positions

    Volunteer Opportunties

    New Student Scheduler

    Description

    Help BeLit welcome our new students by encouraging them to take the leap into adult learning and scheduling them for an initial class placement assessment. 

    Time Commitment

    4 hours per week at a mutually convenient time for volunteer and staff.

    Training Requirement 

    Volunteers will be trained and managed by our Volunteer Coordinator.

    Volunteer Classroom Aide

    Description

    Assist a classroom teacher by helping students learn English or by preparing them for their high school equivalency exams. 

    Time Commitment

    Aides commit to volunteering in the same 3-hour class at a set time each week. In-person (morning or afternoon) and virtual (morning or afternoon) options are available. 

    Training Requirement 

    Before starting to volunteer, potential aides will complete an interest form, a phone screening, and training (approximately 3-5 hours). 

    Other Requirements 

    BeLit will assist all Classroom Aides with receiving background clearances prior to beginning.

    Volunteer Tutor

    Description

    Tutor an individual or small group of adult students who are learning English or building basic literacy skills to prepare for high school equivalency classes. Materials and lesson planning support are provided.

    Time Commitment

    2-4 hours per week.

    Training Requirement 

    Before starting to volunteer, potential aides will complete an interest form, a phone screening, and training (approximately 3-5 hours), followed by online training modules on tutoring students for Adult Basic Education (reading, writing, math) or English language skills.  

    Other Requirements

    BeLit will assist all Volunteer Tutors with receiving background clearances prior to beginning. 

    Family Literacy Aide

    Description

    Assist Family Literacy teachers during Interactive Literacy Activities (ILA), class time which is dedicated to educating parents and caregivers.

    Time Commitment

    Once a week for a 2-hour session. Usually, late afternoon when children are out of school (4:00 – 6:00 PM). 

    Training Requirement 

    Attend a 3-hour workshop on teaching adults, followed by online training modules on tutoring students for Adult Basic Education (reading, writing, math) or English language skills. 

    Digital Navigator

    Description

    Work one-to-one with an adult learner, or in a group workshop setting, to identify their basic tech needs such as accessing low cost or free internet connection options, identifying computer skill-building opportunities, or securing devices. Our Digital Navigation Specialist will then help connect the learner to the appropriate resources.

    Time Commitment

    4 hours per week at a mutually convenient time for student and volunteer.

    Training Requirement 

    No training required. Materials and support provided by Beyond Literacy.

    Graduate Transitions

    Description

    Work one-to-one with an adult learner to research college or training program options, complete admissions and/or financial aide applications, discuss college readiness and success skills such as financial literacy, goal setting, time management, self-advocacy, communication, problem solving, etc.

    Time Commitment

    Mutually convenient time for student and volunteer.

    Training Requirement 

    No training required. Materials and support provided by Beyond Literacy.

    Student Support Workshop Volunteer

    Description

    Facilitate power skill workshops to support our adult learners. Topics can include financial literacy, health and wellness and digital literacy skills and professional skill-building.

    Time Commitment

    Workshops are typically scheduled on Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 PM, though there is flexibility as well.  

    Training Requirement 

    No training required. Materials and support provided by Beyond Literacy.

    Career Workshop Facilitator   

    Description

    Offer a job readiness training workshop for diverse adult learners. Help them learn to engage employers, get hired and retain employment. Facilitators often have industry-specific experience and must be comfortable working with adults returning from incarceration, immigrant populations, and those with diagnosed mental or physical disabilities.

    Time Commitment

    Workshops are generally held virtually between 12:00-1:00 PM. Preparation time required.

    Training Requirement 

    Volunteers will receive background information and tips for success prior to the session. 

    Career Development Volunteer

    Description

    Work one-to-one with an adult learner to update and review their resume, practice interview skills, or discuss American industries, workplace skills and culture.

    Time Commitment

    1-3 hours per week at a mutually convenient time for students and tutor.

    Training Requirement 

    Materials and support provided by Beyond Literacy. 

    Other Requirements 

    Volunteers will receive background information and tips for success prior to the session.   

    Learner with partner providing education services

    Interested in volunteering but not sure where to start?

    Submit an inquiry form to connect with our Volunteer Coordinator who will then help find the best fit for you!

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