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.
Volunteer as a Member of YFAB!
BeLit’s Young Friends Advisory Board is comprised of literacy allies who share a passion for uplifting their fellow Philadelphians with the transformative power of education. Through volunteerism and community engagement, YFAB makes meaningful connections and change for striving adults citywide.
