Want to support literacy and learning and make a difference? The Seattle Public Library is looking for volunteers for our free after-school tutoring program, Homework Help, as well as our free adult education program. To find out more and apply, go to www.spl.org/Volunteer.
Homework Help, which will be offered in nine branches for the 2024-25 school year, supports K-12 students with their homework assignments and learning skills when Seattle’s public schools are in session. Volunteers are especially needed at the High Point, Lake City, Rainier Beach and South Park branches.
Volunteer tutors work with students both one-on-one and in small groups. During a typical tutoring session, a volunteer might help students with homework or an academic skills worksheet, play a learning game, or read aloud. Sessions are drop-in, and snacks are always provided.
Tutors need to be a minimum of age 18 or older. While no special skills are required, multilingual individuals are encouraged to apply. Home languages most commonly spoken at Homework Help include Amharic, Arabic, English, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya and Vietnamese.
The Library requests a volunteer commitment for the school year and we ask that you do at least one shift a week — although in some cases, it can be less. Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and each shift is approximately two hours.
Volunteer tutors receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset.
Homework Help makes a difference! During the 2023-24 school year, more than 180 Homework Help volunteers worked with 1,100 students. In surveys, 70% of Homework Help students report having a better understanding of their homework assignments as a result of Homework Help, and 60% report better grades.
We have offered free after-school tutoring for over 30 years, and volunteers are essential to Homework Help’s success. As one mother said, “Homework Help provides my two sons a great space to learn and be curious.”
We also need tutors to work with adults in our Adult Education progam at the Lake City and Rainier Beach branches. These volunteers provide support for adult basic education learners who are developing skills in conversational English, reading comprehension, writing, basic math, and preparing for the U.S. Naturalization and GED tests.
Volunteers are asked to tutor learners once a week for at least six months. Find out more and apply at www.spl.org/Volunteer.
Leave a Comment