Volunteer Info

“Children Rising cares so much about these kids that it invests the time and effort to train the tutors and provide us with tools to do a good job.”

– Linda Hawkins, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying)

See how our tutors and students benefit from a one-on-one relationship.

There are many opportunities for YOU to help a child rise to their God-given potential. Children Rising makes it simple.

We invite YOU to join hundreds of volunteers who are nurturing and equipping students to rise above the challenges they face in school.

Children Rising programs work because individual volunteers, congregations, community-based organizations, corporations, and local businesses share their time with struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We offer multiple volunteer opportunities for people and groups to offer their time and talents to enable an eager young child to succeed in school… and in life.

We structure Children Rising programs so that it is easy for you to be effective immediately. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring elementary school children in reading and math, supporting family engagement activities, one-time and recurring projects, and events to reinforce Children Rising programs. Whether you are interested in tutoring or volunteering in a different capacity, we will coach and guide you along the way.

Join us! The reward of helping a student succeed in school and grow in personal confidence as they reach their potential is priceless.

PLEASE NOTE: We prefer all volunteer applicants reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area or have a familiarity with our East Bay community.

I’m interested in becoming a tutor!

Volunteer Opportunities

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5 things you should know about becoming a volunteer tutor

1. No experience is necessary! We provide training, all the materials, and coaching so that you can be effective immediately.

2. Tutoring clinics operate during school hours, Monday thru Friday, and are supported by Children Rising staff. Both morning and afternoon clinic times are available, but also dependent on school needs. Our reading program is conducted onsite in person, while our math program has both in-person and online tutoring opportunities.

3. You work with your students one-on-one. In a two-hour clinic, you tutor one student and then another student for 45 minutes each. We try to pair you with those students for the entire academic year.

4. There are several volunteer screening requirements. Schools require all volunteers who interact with children, whether it’s online or in person, to get a live scan background check. In-person tutors will also need to provide proof of negative TB status.

5. We ask that you commit to coming every week until clinics close in the spring. It is important to show up for your student each week. The children really count on it and look forward to seeing you! That being said, we recognize that life happens and you may need to miss some weeks for vacation or sick days. Just let us know ahead of time.

Apply Today!

Volunteer Opportunities: simple ways you can help a child reach their potential

“The training and experience of the Children Rising team is very important to success. Their ongoing evaluation of the students, and suggestions for dealing with particular student needs, greatly enhance the ability of the tutor to stimulate progress by the student.”

– Robert Field, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying)

Children Rising offers many opportunities for you to connect with a student, inspiring hope, and the confidence to succeed. By sharing your time, you connect with a student, a school, and your community.

Tutor a Child (Reading or Math)

For many of the children we tutor, English is their second language.

Be the steady support a child looks forward to each week

Two hours of one-on-one tutoring each week can help determined second-grade students strengthen reading or math skills, grow in confidence, and rise to their potential. We provide training, support, guidance, and all the tools you’ll need to succeed each week. We’ll pair you with a student and offer multiple school locations and time slots to accommodate your schedule. Our step-by-step approach makes it simple to support a child’s learning — and you may find the time you spend with eager students and fellow volunteers becomes the highlight of your week.

Format: Reading tutoring is currently in person only. Math tutoring offers in-person and some online opportunities.

Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, Monday-Friday during school hours

Apply Today

Ongoing Opportunities

Be part of a caring circle that helps learning take root — at school and at home

Children Rising’s Circle of Care supports children and families throughout the school year through caring relationships, tutoring, and practical tools that strengthen learning in reading and math. Ongoing volunteer roles run throughout the school year, and volunteers play a vital role by supporting family engagement and outreach, uplifting digital communications, Zoom learning experiences for caregivers, and creating ready-to-use learning resources that reinforce what students are working on in school and tutoring.

Time Commitment: Most roles are about 2–4 hours per week (some closer to 2 hours/week).

Find opportunities

Apply Today

One-Time Service Projects

Project-based volunteering, when it fits your schedule

We have many service projects that support the work we do for the children. If weekly tutoring is not right for you, you can still assist the children and families we serve by providing a couple of hours of your time when convenient to do so. Let us know if you are interested in learning more, and we will notify you as projects become available.

Time Commitment: Varies depending on the project.

Find opportunities

Apply Today

Start volunteering

With support and encouragement from our staff and fellow volunteers, you can start to make a difference in the lives of children and youth immediately!

Yes, I want to give a child a fairer chance in school!

Apply Today!