Some parents are really good at helping with homework and assisting kids in figuring out just what they need to do to get an assignment right. If you’re one of them and you’ve got a few extra hours in your busy parenting schedule—or you know a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other caring adult who loves helping kids shine in school–Seattle Public Libraries (SPL) would love to hear from you all.
The library system is looking for volunteers for its free after-school tutoring service, Homework Help, for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
Homework Help volunteers support K-12 student learning when Seattle’s public schools are in session. The Library requests a volunteer commitment for the whole school year, from Sept. 16, 2024, through June 12, 2025. Two-hour shifts are available Monday through Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
SPL has offered free after-school tutoring for students for over 30 years, and volunteers are the power behind the program. During Homework Help sessions, volunteers help students with homework, play learning games, read to students, or work with them on academic worksheets. Volunteers assist students one-on-one and in small groups. They also help high school students not just with academic subjects but with other priorities, including college essays.
Because Homework Help is a drop-in program, students can show up any day to receive help. They do not need to have a Library card to attend. Snacks are provided at every Homework Help session, courtesy of The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Hunger Intervention Program.
During the 2023-24 school year, 1,100 students accessed the program more than 4,400 times, aided by more than 180 volunteers. 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.
Homework Help will be offered at nine Library locations for the 2024-25 school year, but volunteers are especially needed at the Columbia, High Point, Lake City, Rainier Beach, and South Park branches. SPL also offers virtual tutoring through its website.
To apply, please contact the Library’s Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org. Prospective volunteers are asked to submit their application now for the upcoming school year’s Homework Help Program, but volunteer applications are accepted throughout the year.
Volunteer tutors must be 18 or older and will receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset. Having competence in another language, especially Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo and Spanish, is also helpful. The majority of students served by the program are youth of color, with 90% of students reporting their parents speaking a language other than English at home.
Volunteer tutors receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset.
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