Service Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Every year PLT looks for ways to give back to the community by helping local area schools and community organizations. Since our membership consist of individuals in P-12 teaching as well as those in Higher Education, this year we have several volunteer partnerships arranged. Please review the following opportunities.

Download these opportunities in PDF format

Project GRAD – Akron Public Schools (P-12)

This year we built a special relationship with Project GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) and will be encouraging members to volunteer at their Lunch Groups, Bridge to GRADuation, and College Readiness programs. See how you can make a difference this spring!

Lunch Groups at Crouse Elementary School

  • Description: PLT volunteers will work in small groups of students with a literacy foundation. PLT volunteers can individually help students with literacy or facilitate whole groups. Boys and girls are divided into different groups.
  • Time and Dates: 11 am -12 Noon; 5 days a week; 5 weeks (programs run at 5-week intervals but PLT volunteers can join at any time!!)

Bridge to GRADuation at Perkins Middle School

  • Description: PLT volunteers will conduct individual and group activities to help 8th graders in getting ready for life in high school. Volunteers should focus on academic rigor, expectations, sharing personal experiences, social issues, personal issues, high school credits, GPA, attendance, and Project GRAD’s Learning Contract (a $4,000 scholarship opportunity).
  • Time and Dates: 3:00pm to 4:30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays

 College Readiness at Buchtel High School

  • Description: PLT volunteers will provide lunch time sessions to speak with students about college – academic rigor, expectations, personal and social growth, and postsecondary aspirations, ACT/SAT, Application to college, what interests the students have…(AYA science people needed badly for OGT and ACT!!!). PLT volunteers are welcome to create their own lunch-time presentations regarding a topic of their interest that will give a rich experience to students: time management, loans, or having a job in college, etc…
  • Time and Dates: (lunch periods) 10:45-11:45 and 11:45-12:45 every day

ORIENTATION FOR VOLUNTEERS

PLT volunteers will need to attend an orientation session with Laurie Curfman. All sessions are held at Buchtel High School (1040 Copley Road, Akron, Ohio) in the Project GRAD resource room. The dates are:

  • Thursday, March 18, Noon
  • Wednesday, March 24, 10am
  • Wednesday, March 31, 2pm

(Volunteers who can’t make these dates can schedule a one-on-one meeting with Laurie)

What to Bring to Orientation: a copy of a BCI from the past 12 months and a schedule outlining available hours for each week.

Contact Info:

  • Dr. Renee Mudrey-Camino, Co-Advisor, PLT
    330-972-6470
    Email:  rm52@uakron.edu

 

Project Learn – Summit County Adult Literacy

Project Learn provides an excellent opportunity for those who may be interested in working with adults. The mission of Project Learn is to provide literacy and lifelong learning services that help adults achieve their goals as family members, workers, community members and lifelong learners. This main headquarters are located inside the main library in downtown Akron on the lower level at 60 S. High Street.

Project Learn offers a wide range of classes, ranging from GED exam preparation to health literacy and basic adult education to workplace literacy. Classes are designed to accommodate the varying schedules of their students and are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. The curriculum is tailored to meet the individual needs of the students, increasing the likelihood of achieving both their short and long-term goals. One-on-one tutoring is also available.

Besides one–on–one tutoring, Project Learn has many opportunities for volunteers to donate their time and resources to the literacy program. They are as follows:

  • Part–time tutor – Fills in for tutors who are on extended vacations, leaves, etc. Trained as a regular volunteer literacy tutor.
  • Office Associate – Performs various office duties and assists staff with general office work, including data entry, class preparation and phone coverage.
  • Classroom Aide – Helps instruct small group classes in math, reading, writing, life and work skills. A staff teacher prepares all lesson plans.
  • Computer Instructor – Instructs computer classes in typing, reading, math and the Internet.
  • Fundraiser/Special Events – Helps with planning, executing and working at fund development activities. Often a weekend role. Also involves help with mailings and phone calls.

In addition, the programs are housed at many locations in the greater Akron area. A training session is also required of all volunteers. An orientation will be established at Project Learn to better acquaint interested individuals with the programs and facilities.

For additional information, please contact

 

Veterans Affairs - Voluntary Service

Opportunities exist to lead discussion groups (one time or series) and training sessions for Homeless Veterans in the following areas:

  • Improving Professional Writing
  • Financial Planning
  • Job Search
  • Returning to College
  • Improving Testing Skills – Academic and Vocational
  • Issues Impacting Women
  • And other topics of interests

The VA is open to many ideas for these classes so please do not hesitate to contact Kent with your ideas. These Veterans are very diverse and often have substantial skill and even college backgrounds. They simply need a hand in getting back on their feet and on the road to success.

For additional information, contact:

Kent Camino
Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Brecksville Campus
440-526-3030 x7897
Email:  kent.camino@va.gov