SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

"I never imagined what an impact I would have on a child's life by volunteering just one hour a week. I also had no idea what an impact it would have on me."
--Palmer & Dodge attorney, academic mentor


Boston Partners in Education's School Volunteer Program has been running in Boston since the organization was founded in 1966. The program matches and places volunteers in the Boston Public Schools, grades K-12, in response to teacher requests. Volunteers work with teacher-assigned students on reading, writing, math and science. They also help students work to achieve their goals on standardized tests such as the MCAS. Volunteers work with students one-on-one or in small groups.

Through this program, middle and high school teachers can also secure volunteer career, enrichment and motivational speakers to visit their classroom. This Career and Enrichment Program brings volunteer speakers to middle and high school students to broaden their knowledge of different career opportunities. The program allows teachers to expand the educational experience of their students without leaving the classroom.

What is the impact of the program on students?
The goal of our programming is to support student advancement and the work of Boston's public school teachers. Volunteers serve as academic mentors and work with students to help improve their overall academic, social and study skills, verbal/speaking skills, test taking skills, self-confidence, and ability to work with other students. Volunteers also develop strong and trusting relationships with their students, providing them with positive adult role models.

Where do volunteers come from and what is their role?
Volunteers for the School Volunteer Program are recruited throughout the Greater Boston area. Volunteers provide academic and mentoring support to the students with whom they are matched in response to teacher requests.

All volunteers are screened according to the guidelines created by Boston Partners in Education for the Boston Public Schools. After an initial interview with Boston Partners in Education, we ask that volunteers attend two training sessions prior to the start of tutoring.  One session focuses on principles of tutoring and mentoring. The second relates to the subject content a volunteer intends to tutor. A background criminal check (CORI) must also be conducted annually for all volunteers.

* To begin the placement process, prospective volunteers are first asked to complete our Volunteer Registration Form. 

To learn more about Boston Partners in Education's School Volunteer Program, please contact:
Hillary Chazen, Recruitment & School Volunteer Program Manager
617.451.6145
hchazen@bostonpartners.org