Needs From: United Way of Central Minnesota Volunteer Connection

We are looking for people who want to give back to their community by helping adult learners improve their skills in English or earn their GED/Adult Diploma. We serve two types of students in our Adult Basic Education (ABE) program: those learning English as a second language, and those pursuing their GED/ADP. Both have multiple class times available Monday through Thursday during the day and evening hours. You can volunteer for one or the other, or both!

There is no minimum requirement to how often you need to volunteer, although we encourage attending one class session a week (2-2.5 long). Classroom placement is discussed during orientation, and if it doesn't feel like a good fit, this can always be changed. Your comfortability in your role is essential, and we want you to get the most out of this experience! Any tutoring material you may need (ex: flashcards to work 1:1 with an ESL beginner on the English alphabet) will be provided by staff.

If helping in a classroom setting sounds like something you'd enjoy, please feel free to respond to this post, and the Volunteer Program Coordinator will reach out to you soon! Thank you for your time. 

Example of Duties:
· Assisting ESL students’ questions on pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar
· Leading small ESL groups (~1-4 students) during in-class activities
- Helping GED/ADP students 1:1 with various subjects (math, writing, etc.)
- Assisting teachers (1-2 teachers in each classroom) with classroom needs as they arise

Required from You (mandated by the MN Dept of Education):
- A free, quick, online background check prior to volunteering
- 4-hour initial online training due within first 6 months (can be saved/resumed to do in multiple sessions)
- 2-hour ongoing online training due annually after that (can be saved/resumed to do in multiple sessions