Studies show that developing a caring relationship is critical to academic success in school. Consider contributing your skills by volunteering for one or more of these opportunities.

The Reader/Writer program pairs public school adolescents with writing-proficient adult volunteers. Each volunteer serves as a writing coach for one or two Metro-area middle- or high-school students in a writing exchange conducted by mail throughout the academic year, approximately two to three times per month. This process builds writing fluency and resilience in teens. Volunteers work in their own homes and on their own schedules.

The International Institute of Minnesota is looking for people to assist in piloting a new Volunteer Navigator program to help adult English language learners reach their career, educational, and personal goals. Navigators meet weekly for two hours with their student(s) at the Institute in St. Paul. Program staff is available onsite when help is needed.

Hospitality House Youth Development in Minneapolis provides intensive academic support in a caring environment to build self-esteem and confidence in at-risk youth. Volunteers commit to one shift (one to two hours) per week between 2 and 5 p.m. at HHYD’s Urban Learning Center and spend 30-40 minutes with each student assigned to them—reading aloud, practicing sight words, the alphabet, and reading games. HHYD teachers help define the appropriate materials for individual students. 

Murray Middle School in St. Paul provides one-on-one tutoring for academically challenged students, typically those who do not have strong home support and are often living in crisis. Volunteers meet weekly with 7th and 8th grade students on developing solid study skills for core subjects including English, science, math, and social studies.

More information about these and other opportunities can be found at the University Retirees Volunteer Center website at [email protected].

—John Anderson, URVC