Adult Literacy
South Hennepin Adult Programs In Education (SHAPE)

Basic Skills Tutor
Volunteers help SHAPE students, American and foreign-born, work on reading, writing, math or computer skills.  Tutors help students brush up on specific literacy skills, prepare for the GED test, or bolster skills for participation in SHAPE's high school diploma classroom program.  Volunteers usually work one-on-one with students in private or in classroom settings. Training: 12 hours

English as a Second Language Tutor
Volunteers work with SHAPE adult learners who need help with spoken English. English is not their first language and these students need help in everyday activities or with specific projects such as studying for citizenship or conversation for the workplace. Volunteers work one-on-one, assist a teacher with small group instruction or in special classes for senior citizens. (You do not need to know a foreign language to volunteer!) Training: 12 hours

Disabilities Tutor
Volunteers help adults with disabilities in enrichment and academic settings. Through the Learning Exchange, volunteers assist in Community Education adult enrichment classes such as cooking, crafts and computers. Volunteers also help learners one-on-one or in SHAPE classroom settings with basic skills (reading, writing, math) and life skills
literacy, such as reading recipes, telling time, or letter writing. Training: 1 hour (12 hours if doing literacy tutoring).

Interested In Volunteering with Adult Learners?

Call the Coordinator for Adult Learners at 952-681-6109
Or send an email to info@volunteerconnection.org

Young Learners (E-12)

Homework Connection Tutor/Mentor
Volunteers can help E-12 students with basic skills at our drop-in homework centers in four Bloomington locations. Great for people who want to volunteer in the afternoons or evenings. Volunteer as a group or a family! 

Basic Skills Tutor/Mentor
Volunteers serve as a critical link in the learning process by providing remedial, one-on-one attention to a student outside the classroom. Reading, writing, and mathematics are the most frequently requested subject areas. Basic skills tutors reinforce academic learning, review homework assignments, and help develop study and organizational skills.

English as a Second Language Tutor
Volunteers work with students who need assistance with spoken and written English. Knowledge of a foreign language is not required. Volunteer activities may include: listening to students read, reviewing grammar and spelling assignments, reinforcing classroom learning, or building the young learner's English language confidence. Volunteers may work one-on-one, in ESL classrooms or at one of the International Kids (& Parents) Club sites.

Classroom Assistant
Volunteers serve as role models to help students increase academic performance, confidence and self-esteem. Classroom assistants work with a small group or an individual student under the direction of a classroom teacher. Volunteers give extra attention and help provide skill reinforcement.

Enrichment Tutor/Mentor
Volunteers enrich the lives of students who are performing above grade level by introducing activities that stimulate and challenge. Enrichment tutors work in a variety of subject areas including mathematics, science, writing, and computers.

Special Programs:

America Reads & America Counts
This program began in 1998 as a partnership with Normandale Community College. Community college students serve Bloomington students by providing support in reading and math. America Reads won the 1999 Prodigy Award for Outstanding Program.

Foster Grandparents
The Foster Grandparent Program is a collaborative between the Volunteer Connection and Lutheran Social Services.  Foster Grandparents volunteer up to 60 hours per month and receive a stipend, free school lunch, an annual physical and mileage reimbursement.

Interested In Volunteering with Young Learners (ages 5-18)?

Call Connie Dove, Coordinator for Young Learners at 952-806-8786
Or send an email to info@volunteerconnection.org