Volunteers at United Way

“Open that book, turn that page, and be the person that is the spark that lights the candle that
illuminates the path to a better tomorrow.”   
                                                     – Bill Walton

Take the Education Challenge!
Join San Diegans like
Bill Walton and become one of 10,000 locals to volunteer as readers, tutors and mentors for San Diego kids. Welcome Union-Tribune readers! Your volunteer pledge will benefit children all over San Diego County. Watch this short video to hear Bill's thoughts on why you should get involved.
 
Whether it's a year-round mentoring, 30 minutes reading to a 2nd grader or one-time career coaching, your support will get kids reading, get them learning and prepare them for successful futures. Sign up now!

 
How you can help:
Reading with a child engages them in storytelling, opens their minds, and unlocks their imagination. Between kindergarten and third grade, children develop the skills to find meaning in written text. As a child grows, reading becomes increasingly important for academic success and succeeding in the workforce. 

Tutoring a child, instructing one-on-one or in small groups, is proven to have positive effects on academic performance, especially for at-risk children with reading problems. By third grade, when children's reading skills enable them to learn and retain knowledge, tutoring becomes critical. It solidifies literacy skills and bolsters later success in high school and college.

Mentoring a child. Children and youth need more than academic supports to get through school successfully. Sometimes kids just need to know someone believes in them. Parents are a foundational resource to their children, but other caring adults can offer support and guidance to help them through their early years and beyond. Adult mentors provide emotional support that enhances a child's self-esteem; they can also offer advice that many teens might be reluctant to seek from their parents.

Read the volunteer tip sheet to help you choose the right opportunity. Learn more about about the challenge by reading the San Diego Education Volunteer Fact Sheet. Or check out our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)


VOLUNTEER NOW!  You can register, just browse or look for matches based on your interest.

If you represent an organization offering volunteer opportunities, please click here to register.
Already a registered partner agency? List new opportunities here. If you represent a school and want to to request volunteers, click here.
 
Thank you for your interest in improving our community!