High School Volunteer Orientation

PLEASE NOTE: As of late May 2025, we have very few tutor requests. We will have many more volunteer opportunities available in the next school year. The 2025-2026 volunteer application opens at the end of June. Please check our website in the summer to apply. 

This orientation is required for all who are interested in volunteering with high school students in the Cambridge Public Schools.

During this information session, our director of high school programs will tell you about the services provided by Cambridge School Volunteers (a partner of the public school district), about the CPS student and teacher community, and our expectations of volunteers. We'll also explain how CSV supports you, the volunteer.

We will follow up with the next steps and potential start dates based on your schedule and program needs.

To sign up for other meetings follow the link below. If there are no more available spots in the sessions needed to complete your process, or no dates available, contact us through email at csv@cpsd.us.

FAQs

What is the time commitment? Volunteers give 30-90 minutes per week, for at least one semester; preferably for the school year. Many volunteers choose to work more hours.

When are volunteers needed? Before, during, and after-school volunteer opportunities occur on weekdays. Before school tutoring is a half hour, after school tutoring is one hour, and during school may vary (class periods are up to 90 minutes). Most placements are located at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway. 

Who are the students? Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and the High School Extension Program have students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, English language learning status, and other circumstances that impact their educational success. Forty-nine percent of the student body is considered "high needs" as defined by the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Approximately 44% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Can I help if I’ve never worked in a school? Yes! You do not need to have prior experience as a tutor or teacher. Our volunteers have diverse personal and professional backgrounds.

Do I need to provide references or have a CORI check? Yes. We will also need an image of a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) for a CORI (criminal record) check, and documentation of COVID-19 and other vaccinations. New volunteers must also provide two completed reference forms (your two references should be individuals who have known you for at least 6 months and who are not related to you.)

To fill out an application and submit paperwork, head to https://www.csvinc.org/volunte...