Become a Volunteer
About
Volunteer tutors are matched with one of our wonderful K-8 children, according to their skills or interests. Together they work on homework, literacy or math for one hour each week. Tutoring takes place Monday – Thursday from 3:30-4:40 for the junior high program and from 4:30-5:30 for the elementary program. You choose the day that works best for you.Eligibility
We welcome and actively seek adults and mature teens to help tutor children during the after-school and summer programs. Regular commitments from volunteers are needed whether it is once a month, every day or something between those options. View all current volunteer opportunities.Application Process
- Returning volunteers, complete this questionnaire
- New volunteers, fill out an application
- Attend an orientation
- Read the volunteer handbook and sign a volunteer letter of agreement
- Complete a liability waiver form
- Complete a DCFS background check (18+)
- Complete a criminal background check (requires signature of parent or guardian if under 18)
- Important: Must be at minimum high school aged to be a volunteer tutor
Resources
View the volunteer resources and FAQs for more information about becoming a volunteer. More questions?Volunteer Coordinator
For questions about volunteering at the elementary and junior high after school programs, contact:
volunteer@gecrc.com | 630-899-9919
1When and where does tutoring take place?
TUTORING BEGINS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 FOR THE 2019/2020 SCHOOL YEAR. For students in grades K-5, tutoring takes place at Abraham Lincoln and Churchill Elementary schools from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Lincoln is located at 380 Greenfield Avenue, Glen Ellyn, and you will enter through door #29 off Newton Avenue. Churchill is at 240 Geneva Road in Glen Ellyn, and volunteers enter through door #4.
For students in grades 6-8, tutoring takes place at Hadley Junior High from 3:30-4:40 p.m. The school’s address is 240 Hawthorne Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, and you will enter through the main entrance. Tutoring takes place in the Hadley library.
2How do I sign up?
1. Fill out an application online
2. Attend a Volunteer Orientation. Please note that this orientation is mandatory for all new volunteers. We will cover program policies as well as helpful tutoring strategies. For specific dates and times, visit our Volunteer Calendar.
3. After the orientation, your volunteer assignment will be emailed to you.
3I can't commit to a weekly schedule. Can I still be a tutor or be involved in a different capacity?
Absolutely! We have volunteer opportunities for you as well. Our most popular option is to be a substitute volunteer. This allows you to tutor when it's convenient for your schedule.
4What is the minimum age to volunteer at the GECRC?
High school aged and older.
5Do you track volunteer hours?
Yes, we do track all volunteer hours. We ask that all volunteers sign in each time they volunteer.
6What if I can't make it on the day I'm assigned?
Report your absence by emailing jreeves@gecrc.com, or call or text 630-479-9919. It is imperative that you do this, especially if you are a one-on- one tutor.
7Do you provide supplies or do I need to bring my own?
We provide you with supplies but you are welcome to bring your own if you would like.
8Does our program still run on days that the students do not have school?
No, we follow the District 41 calendar. If there is no school or school is cancelled, we do not have program. We also do not run our program on half days.
9How are students enrolled in GECRC?
Students are referred by teachers, social workers, and/or school administrators. All of our students meet low income and academic risk guidelines and most come from refugee or immigrant families. Annually, our program serves nearly 200 students in D41 and D89.