It's back-to-school week, and many organizations in our area are now looking for volunteer tutors and homework helpers. While most of these opportunities are geared toward adults, some allow students to help other students and earn student service learning hours. Learn about a handful of current tutor and mentor volunteer needs below, and find more in this search for "tutor" on our website. 

Heyman Interages Center seeks tutors, mentors, and readers for its many programs that match volunteers age 50 and up with youth at elementary, middle, and high schools across Montgomery County. Training provided. Opportunities include "grandreaders"/second grade tutors, who help 7 to 9 year-olds improve their reading comprehension and related language arts skills, and Intergenerational Bridges program mentors, who work weekly with one at-risk English language learner. Email Leah Bradley or call 301-255-4234.

Volunteer tutors at the Regional Institute for Children & Adolescents (RICA) in Rockville assist emotionally disabled students with academic subjects (especially math) and organizational and life skills. Minimum commitment of one hour per week. RICA also seeks mentors to serve as positive role models, pet volunteers to bring their animals in as visiting companions, and board members. Email Samantha Foley or call 301-251-6844.

Truancy Prevention Program tutors and mentors volunteer through the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office to work with middle schoolers countywide for 10 weekly school-day sessions each semester. Fall semester sessions begin the week of Sept. 19; orientation and training are provided. The Truancy Prevention Program has succeeded in reducing unexcused absences by 65 percent among seven out of 10 students in the program. SSL pre-approved. Email Yasmine Eleazar.

Community Ministries of Rockville's Language Outreach Program provides English as a second language classes for adults, and seeks tutors and child care assistants to work with those adult clients' children during class, helping with homework and guiding them in play activities. Classes begin this month and are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings; volunteers can help either or both days of the week. Orientation sessions are set for Thursday, Sept. 8, and Tuesday, Sept. 13. SSL pre-approved. Email Andrea Kempner-Wink or call 301-637-0172.

ACT test prep tutors at Wheaton High School and Watkins Mill High School (in Gaithersburg) help students prepare for the college entrance exam at least one day a week at lunch or after school. The tutoring is part of CollegeTracks's multi-faceted work helping students gain admission to colleges that fit their interests and abilities and find the financial aid needed to attend. Training provided. Email Michele Parsonnet or call 301-503-5859.

The Housing Opportunities Commission, which provides affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, needs volunteer after-school program aides at sites in Silver Spring, Aspen Hill, Olney, and Gaithersburg. Volunteers help student residents of all grade levels with homework and lead reading, STEM, and other clubs. SSl pre-approved. Email Gail Gunod-Green or call 240-627-9731.

 

Mark your calendar and get ready for a full week of service projects all across the county in honor of the 30th annual Community Service Week, set for Oct. 16-23. The Volunteer Center is now working with nonprofits and government agencies to develop projects and will soon be compiling a list of volunteer opportunities for that week. 

Check our Community Service Week page beginning in mid-September for the latest list of projects, and pick any or all that match your interests! If you are part of a large group that would like to participate, email Deb Lang or call 240-777-2600 so we can help identify appropriate group opportunities as projects are being planned.

And if that's not enough, you can also participate in volunteer projects on 9/11 Day or Maryland Day to Serve  (which runs Sept. 10-Oct. 10).

Two of Montgomery County's finest long-time volunteers, both recently recognized with 2016 Montgomery Serves Awards, passed away this summer.

Sarah Gotbaum, a recipient of the Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award for lifetime service, devoted her life to working and volunteering on behalf of women, equality, and aging issues. Jan Jablonski, honored with the annual individual community service award, co-founded the Noyes Children's Library Foundation and spent many years advocating on behalf of libraries, childhood literacy, and children with special needs. 

We send condolences to their families and friends, and hope they find strength in the fact that these women's spirit of service has made a difference for so many people in Montgomery County. 

Are you interested in learning how to be an effective advocate for improving your community? Apply for the Community Action Board's Leadership Development Institute, a special advocacy training program for county residents earning $54,000 or less annually. The program features monthly workshops and hands-on learning sessions October through May. 

Applications are due Friday, Sept. 9. Learn more here.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is now recruiting election judges to serve at early voting centers (weekdays and weekends between Oct. 27 and Nov. 3) and at polling places on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Bilingual residents--especially those fluent in Spanish and English--are particularly needed.

Election judges help to ensure fair and accessible elections for all voters and protect the integrity of the election process. Most work directly with voters during voting hours. Workers must be registered voters and are paid a stipend and provided training. 

Click on "Election Workers" to learn more or apply online.