“My child is less afraid to present his ideas and share.”
– Apex Parent
Our Elementary Enrichment programs engage our youngest students through hands-on activities that encourage exploration and discovery about themselves, their culture, and their communities. In all Elementary Enrichment programs, youth are placed into small peer groups supported by the same volunteers for the duration of the program. Through regular and ongoing interaction with these groups, youth are able to make friends and connect to mentors as they develop new interests and new skills.
RWA fosters a love of reading and storytelling among students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. RWA Volunteers engage students during Saturday morning reading clubs by reading age-appropriate books and facilitating discussions and activities related to the main ideas, characters, and other thematic elements from each story. We explore themes of identity, community, and family to develop a love of learning, critical thinking skills, and confidence in self-expression at an early age.
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3rd through 5th grade students in our Elementary Explorers program meet on Saturday mornings to explore new interests and learn more about AAPI culture and local neighborhoods through hands-on activities. Volunteers guide small groups of students through games, field trips, and community service projects while helping them develop vital skills such as teamwork and problem solving.
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Qualifications
Commitments
Responsibilities
Application Process
If you are interested in becoming an Elementary volunteer, click below to submit your application:
Qualifications
Application Process
Why is there a 75% commitment rate for Elementary Enrichment program volunteers?
Students and volunteers are grouped together for the duration of all Elementary Enrichment programs. This small group becomes the student’s main community at Apex, where they will form friendships with peers and trusting relationships with their volunteers. Consistent volunteer attendance is essential to build trusting relationships with students.
Do Elementary Enrichment programs accept volunteers at any time of the year?
Our Elementary Enrichment programs enrolls the majority of our volunteers during the summer but we usually have a few volunteer positions open up during the year. Due to this, we accept and interview volunteers throughout the year. If a spot is available at that time, we will be able to place a prospective volunteer. However, if there are no openings at the time, prospective volunteers will be placed on a waitlist and notified when a spot opens up. Most volunteers move off the waitlist within one semester.
What type of support do Elementary Enrichment volunteers receive?
All volunteers attend training prior to the start of the school-year and summer programs. For school-year volunteers, additional training is provided during the year. Apex staff also regularly check-in with volunteers throughout the year and volunteers are able to request personalized support from staff at any time.
How do students join Apex’s Elementary Enrichment programs?
Apex partners with local public schools and community organizations to recruit students. Many students also come to Apex via word of mouth from other Apex families in their community. Students can sign up to participate here.
Do I need prior experience working with youth to volunteer for Elementary Enrichment?
You do not need to have prior experience working with youth to volunteer with Apex, we will provide the training and support you need to participate in the program. We just ask that all volunteers are open to learning, excited to support students, and willing to step out of their comfort zones.
What does an Elementary Enrichment session look like?
Our elementary programs are led by staff. Apex staff plan each session, including the activities and supplies. Staff also facilitate the large session, give instructions, and monitor timing for each activity. As volunteers, your role will be to support your small group of students through each activity, provide individual support to students, help groups work together, and support students as they reflect on their experience that day.
Questions? Email us at: elementary@apexforyouth.org
