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Volunteer Opportunities

Tutoring Opportunities

Literacy Tutor

Description
Tutor an adult student or group of adult students twice a week for 1.5 to 2 hours each session. Materials and support are provided. Tutoring sessions are conducted in a public place.*

When
Mutually convenient time for students and tutor

Time Commitment
3 to 4 hours per week for at least 6 months.

Training Required
Attend a 2-hour introductory workshop on teaching adults, followed by a second workshop on tutoring students for Adult Basic Education (reading, writing, math) or English language skills. Tutors must be age 18 or older and possess a high school credential or higher.

*Some tutoring is still taking place virtually due to COVID-19. Tutors and students are free to meet in person if agreeable to both and if current CDC and County protocols are followed.

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Classroom Aide

Description
Assist a classroom teacher in helping students learn English or prepare for the high school equivalency exams.

When
Monday through Thursday. Classes meet in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

Time Commitment 
2.5 hours per week.

Training Required
Attend a 2-hour introductory workshop on teaching adults, followed by a second workshop on tutoring students for Adult Basic Education (reading, writing, math) or English language skills.

*Due to COVID-19, some classroom teaching is currently done virtually. 

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Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring

Description

Volunteers age 50 and older work one-to-one with a child in K-4 to help build reading skills, self-esteem, and a positive attitude toward learning.

When
30-45 minutes per week during school hours.

Time Commitment
September through June.

Training Required
Attend a twelve-hour training.

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Other Opportunities

Compass AmeriCorps

Description
Compass AmeriCorps members strengthen area nonprofits by providing full-time social services support and English language instruction to newly resettled refugees, immigrants and international populations.

When
September through July.

Time Commitment
Members serve 1700 hours over eleven months.

Training Required
Attend a weeklong program orientation, followed by semi-monthly trainings on relevant topics. Members will also receive ongoing professional development at their service sites.

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Career Transitions Volunteer

Description
Work one-to-one with an adult student to complete online job applications, practice interview skills, research postsecondary education options, apply for college and financial aid, or discuss American workplace skills and culture.

When 
Mutually convenient time for student and volunteer.

Time Commitment
Varies

Training
None. Materials and support provided by Literacy Pittsburgh.

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Classroom Virtual Volunteer Partners

Description
We welcome corporate or civic groups to help our students enhance their educational experience at Literacy Pittsburgh. Sessions are scheduled periodically on a first come, first served basis throughout the year.

When
Ongoing

Time Commitment
45 - 60 minutes.

Training Required
Volunteers will receive background information and tips for success prior to the session. The instructor will discuss the class activity and answer questions prior to the session.

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Fundraising Volunteer

Description
Literacy Pittsburgh’s programs are offered free of charge to students due to the generosity of local individuals, foundations, and corporations. Please consider sharing your passion for literacy with friends, colleagues, and family. As a fundraising volunteer, you could organize an event to benefit Literacy Pittsburgh, start a crowdfunding page, or serve on a committee. The possibilities are endless, and your creativity is welcomed!

When
Open.

Time Commitment 
Varies.

Training Required 
None. Materials and support provided by Literacy Pittsburgh.

I'm Ready to Help

Volunteer Spotlight: Milton
“As a tutor, I’ve realized how much the personal and academic are intertwined for students. You can’t give your full attention to a word problem if you are worried about rent money, and you can’t meet the criteria for a new job if you can’t respond to an emailed question without making mistakes in writing. It’s an especially important reminder to me because I went straight through my school, got a teaching job and stayed there for 37 years. How “boring” that is compared to the journeys of many of my students!”
Photo of Volunteer Spotlight: Milton

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