Volunteer
Every day, hundreds of volunteers make a lifelong difference for kids and families in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.
In the Redwood City School District (RCSD), over 50 percent of elementary students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch; most are ethnic minorities; and less than half test proficient in reading and fewer in math.
Affordable housing is scarce, and many families must share a single-family dwelling with other families to keep rental costs down. Such crowded living conditions make for complex learning environments for young children.
We support these students by reading with them weekly, helping them with other topics they struggle with, and engaging their families in activities to give them the best opportunity to grow and thrive.
We offer in-person tutoring and activities during both the school year and the summer break. Please connect with us to be a part of our efforts! Click below to fill out the interest form, and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to complete your registration and orientation.
Our current needs
- Reading partners for students
- After-School Counselors-in-Training (CITs) – a great option for student volunteers!
- Snack Preparation/Donations for the AEC
- Event volunteers for seasonal events like Día de las Madres, Christmas, etc.
Ready to make a difference?
Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form, and our team will be in touch!
FRequently asked Questions
What is the commitment?
Following a background check and training, we ask for 1 hour/week for the school year.
Where will I tutor?
Our next After-School Enrichment Center will be in the North Fair Oaks Neighborhood in Fall 2025.
Can I choose the age and gender of my student?
Students with greater needs often receive priority; thus, we cannot guarantee that the student you work with will match your request, but we can do our best to accommodate.
What if I’ve never done this before? Can I still help?
Absolutely. No experience or specialized training is required. You can make a difference that will last a lifetime by simply showing up to invest an hour a week with one to two children.
What if English isn’t my first language? Can I still help?
As long as you can communicate in English, you can volunteer. Tutors need to be completely fluent. Spanish speakers can also volunteer in specific capacities.
What will I do during that hour?
Depending on the student’s needs, you may spend time reading to them, listening to them read, helping them identify words, or playing games that help strengthen their literacy skills. You may also provide homework support or other subjects.
Will I tutor the same child weekly?
Yes. Ideally, you will meet with the same student(s) (1-2) from week to week so that they can become comfortable and thrive with you, and you can see the difference that your commitment has made to them over time.
Are reading and tutoring the only volunteer opportunities?
Not at all! There are many other ways you can help, such as preparing food, hosting an event, beautifying a school, doing mailings, and more. We currently need help preparing snacks for our students.
I can’t make a weekly commitment, can I still volunteer?
Yes! We have Impact Events throughout the year when we need “all hands on deck”. Easter, Día de las Madres, Summer Camp, Backpack Drive, Community Thanksgiving Dinner, and Christmas are some of the big events. We also welcome volunteers to do special activities like art, martial arts, read-aloud, exercise, and more. Fill out the interest form to get started.