Volunteer Tutoring & Other Opportunities Beyond the Library

A young girl types on a laptop with an NYPL page on the screen

During this difficult time, we know that many New Yorkers are eager to get involved and give back to their communities. Several organizations across New York City are looking for volunteers to help school-aged children from elementary through high school with tutoring and mentorship opportunities, many remotely. Check out the various programs below. Information and requirements for volunteers, or for students who need help, can be found at the programs’ websites.

East Harlem Tutorial Program

East Harlem Tutorial Program provides multi-site after school programming to the Harlem area by working closely with a network of public schools and charter schools. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring, homework help, mentoring, and preparing high school students for college.

Minds Matter

Minds Matter offers mentor/mentee relationships between volunteers and their students during a three-year program, dedicating two to three hours per week on Saturdays. The time frame on Saturdays varies according to type of volunteer. Volunteers are expected to be motivational, and are always available to provide a listening ear and an encouraging word to the students they mentor.

New York Cares

New York Cares works with over 1,100 nonprofit organizations and schools to set up volunteer opportunities. For education specifically, they have programs to help with college prep.

ReServe

ReServe looks specifically to connect volunteers over the age of 50 to nonprofits or government agencies for education purposes. ReServists are expected to commit between 10 and 20 hours per week to their volunteering. ReServists help kids prepare for college, become mentors to high schoolers, and help students with college aspirations and the process.

Star Learning Center

Star Learning Center offers tutoring services to kids grades 2 through 12. Volunteers are required to commit to two hours of one-on-one tutoring per week. Students are partnered with tutors according to the tutor’s expertise/student’s needs.