Please complete our volunteer application form below.
Thanks so much for your interest in volunteering as a Literacy Mentor. If you have questions, please contact Shoua at shoua.khang [@] eslcmn.org.
What do ESLC volunteers do?
- Volunteer as a Literacy Mentor to Kindergarten - 3rd grade students in St. Paul.
- A caring relationship and one-on-one tutoring will help a student grow their literacy skills and achieve grade level reading!
- Virtual and in-person tutoring opportunities are available.
- Volunteers will be provided with everything they need to tutor and build trusting relationships: training, technology, materials, and staff support.
Where can I volunteer?
- Chelsea Heights Elementary, St. Paul
- Dayton's Bluff Achievement Plus Elementary, St. Paul
- St. Paul Music Academy, St. Paul
- St. Paul School of Northern Lights, St. Paul
- Liberty Plaza After School Program, St. Paul (virtual tutoring only)
What happens during a tutoring session?
Each structured, one-to-one tutoring session is 30 minutes. Sessions include time for relationship building, literacy skill development activities, reflection, a read aloud and a literacy game. Literacy Mentors are provided with the session structure, literacy tutoring materials and books. ESLC staff will provide training, support, ideas, and foster community among volunteers.
What skills and passions are needed to volunteer?
- Read and speak English.
- Desire to support children as they grow their literacy and social-emotional skills.
- Willingness to commit to the growth and well-being of a child for eight months when school is in session. Volunteers do not tutor during school breaks.
What is the volunteer age range?
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Community members age 50 and older are encouraged to apply. Experience Corps and ESLC are committed to intergenerational relationships and building a community of elders to guide the next generation of readers.
How much time do I need to commit?
From October through May, volunteers serve 4 to 10 hours per week as Literacy Mentors. Literacy Mentors tutor the same student through the full school year.
An AmeriCorps Living Allowance of $245 per month and an Education Award are available to volunteers, age 50 years and older, who commit to 8-10 hours per week (300 hours per year). AmeriCorps time includes tutoring and mentoring, time as well as training and preparation or reporting for each tutoring session. Education Awards can be used for college courses, enrichment courses or gifted to a child or grandchild.
What training will I receive?
ESLC provides an orientation and pre-service training on the session structure, literacy activities and mentoring strategies prior to Literacy Mentors beginning work with their students. Supplemental training is provided throughout the year for a total of 20-25 hours of training.
Are there other requirements to volunteer?
A background check, volunteer interview, 20-25 hours of training are required for all volunteers; ESLC covers the cost of the background check.
