Call for Volunteers, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia

Posted by Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia on September 22, 2014

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia School Year Program Fall 2014 – Call for Volunteers

Breakthrough believes in the power of education to radically change young peoples’ lives. We believe the middle school years are the critical crossroads where students make choices that will dramatically affect their futures. We are passionate in our belief that every child deserves access to an excellent education and the encouragement to succeed.

Breakthrough celebrates excellence. The spirit of celebration is energetic, enthusiastic, and contagious. Young people, who would ordinarily downplay their interest in academics, discover that not only is it “cool to be smart,” but that learning is fun. And, aspiring professionals realize the many rewards of teaching and mentoring a group of bright and lively young people.

Breakthrough provides a tuition-free academic enrichment program for low-income, high-potential middle and high school students. Through a six-year program offering school year enrichment, year-round academic support, extra-curricular enrichment activities, and three intensive summer sessions, BT empowers students to succeed in academically rigorous high school programs and then gain entrance to four-year colleges and universities.

Please review the volunteer opportunities below if you would like to participate in Breakthrough’s afterschool or tutoring programs middle and high school students.

Volunteer Teaching Assistants:

Each VTA will assist with instruction for at least one class of 5 to 16 middle-school students, assist students in completing school assignments and projects, and support the overall program during special trips and/or workshops. Teachers will be trained in the various academic curricula, which will be provided by Breakthrough. Due to time constraints, School Year Program teachers will not develop their own lesson plans, but they are encouraged to infuse their own style and ideas into the provided curricula. In addition to classroom teaching, volunteer teachers should spend at least an hour reviewing and preparing each week’s lesson plan in order to ensure well-prepared and effective instruction. Breakthrough after-school programs operate at two sites, Germantown Friends School in Germantown and Drexel University. The GFS program is from 3-6 every Thursday, and will meet on the second Saturday of the month from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Drexel program meets every Wednesday, as well as the 3rd Saturday of the month at the same times. Volunteers are strongly encouraged, but not required, to do both weekdays and Saturdays. Additionally, all volunteers are required to attend orientation sessions, as well as the Kick-Off Event with students and their families on Saturday, September 27th. More information, the calendar, and the online application can be found at this web address: http://breakthroughphilly.org/teachers/how-to-apply.

Volunteer Tutor:

Each tutor will serve as a teacher, tutor and role model for their designated student. The first meeting of the student and tutor will be observed by a Breakthrough Staff Member. Subsequent meetings will occur at a regular time and place agreed upon by student and tutor. Approved places are public libraries, schools, student unions and coffee shops. At no time should a student and tutor be alone or meet at a place that is not identified on this list. At the beginning and end of each session the student and tutor will be required to call and check in with the Program Director. Tutoring will occur at a mutually agreed upon location for a minimum of one hour per week. When tutors apply they will be put in a tutoring database. Tutors may not be needed immediately, but will be contacted when they are paired with a student in need. This will be coordinated by and communicated through the High School Academic Coordinator. More information and the online application can be found at this web address: http://breakthroughphilly.org/get-involved/volunteer.

Work Study:

**Breakthrough is a work-study site. Please indicate on your application if you would like to use your time at Breakthrough as a work-study opportunity. Work study policies vary depending on the university, and are dealt with on an individual basis; we cannot guarantee a work study partnership with your university.**