High School Volunteer Orientation

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

In addition to this session, prospective volunteers will also need to attend our equity, inclusion, and belonging workshop if they have not done so previously. A 10-minute one-to-one placement meeting with CSV staff is also required.

This orientation begins with an information session, where our director of high school programs tells 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 one hour 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. 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-five 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.)

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