THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
1) Recruit sixth graders OR aspiring teachers
We are looking for highly motivated, under-resourced SPPS sixth graders eager to learn and a diverse group of talented college and high school eager to teach them. We currently work with SPPS elementary school teachers as well as non-profits and churches who serve youth to find our young students. For aspiring teachers, we connect with high schools and colleges through teachers, professors, advisors, counselors, list-serves, info sessions, flyers, and internship fairs. Do you know a student at either age who might like to take advantage of our Breakthrough opportunity? Refer them to this website and contact us!
2) Tutor in writing
At Saturdays sessions during the year, our students focus on improving their writing skills. Some of our students, especially many of those who speak English as a second or third language, can really benefit from one-on-one assistance. We are seeking volunteers who are strong writers to share their skills individually with students. Interested? Contact us!
3) Write press releases
At Breakthrough Saint Paul, we have generated a lot of news coverage in our short history. However, many newsworthy stories go unreported simply because the staff lacks the time necessary to assemble high-quality press releases. If you are a strong writer with an interest in journalism, you can help by crafting press releases throughout the year. Do you want to help put our students and their accomplishments in the public spotlight? Contact us!
4) Assist with office work
Do you possess strong organization skills and pay attention to detail? Do you like tackling tasks that have a clear beginning and end? Looking for a way to help that doesn’t require a big commitment? If so, consider assisting the Breakthrough staff with many important and routine office jobs. Whether it is assembling a mailing, helping input applicant info into the database, or copying binder documents, there is always a way you can help. Interested? Contact us!
5) Host a coffee at your home
Breakthrough relies on donations from generous individuals. To be sustainable over the long-term, we are aiming to have 40% of our revenue come from individuals each year. To accomplish this goal, program supporters host intimate coffees in their homes and invite their neighbors. The director accompanied by 2-3 participants speak about the program and, with your help, ask your friends and neighbors to consider donating. Are you are willing to host a coffee fundraiser at your home? Contact us!
6) Become an opportunity coach
On Saturday, April 19, the program will hold a special event for Breakthrough high school students and their families to connect them to additional high quality summer enrichment opportunities outside of Breakthrough. We need highly qualified adult volunteers, especially those who are confident in personal finance and tax filing, to help our eligible families explore their options and take advantage of the Minnesota Education Tax Credit. Interested? Contact us!
7) Help with Language Translation
Breakthrough Saint Paul serves a diverse community of students and families, many of whom speak a language other than English in the home. Given our limited resources, we rely on volunteers to help interpret for families at program events such as summer conferences. We also would like to offer the parent section of our student application in other languages. Our highest needs are in Hmong and Spanish. Interested? Contact us!
