Volunteers come once per week for approximately 30 minutes and meet 1:1 with the same student for the duration of the school year from October - May. 

All volunteers must pass a background check with the school district that their selected school is in. 

We understand that life happens. Please communicate with your Volunteer Coordinator as soon as you know that you’ll be absent for your scheduled reading session (by 8:00am or ASAP the day of session). Often Volunteer Coordinators will step in as a “substitute Reading Mentor” when possible. 

Reading sessions are held on-site at the school or location a volunteer is assigned to. Some locations offer classroom spaces, while others might be located in a hallway or a public designated space.

Read Northwest Volunteer Coordinators will train any new volunteers. Training can take 60-90 minutes over the course of one day, with the exception of Boys & Girls Club volunteers who must complete additional training requirements. All materials as well as ongoing training are provided.

Volunteers must be at least 18, pass a background check, and have good moral character. We ask volunteers to be consistent and punctual with their time and encourage and support reading confidence in their Reading Buddy. Volunteers should bring positive energy to each session and conduct themselves in a professional manner.

No, a volunteer is never alone with a student. Volunteers come in small groups during their reading sessions and sit 1:1 with their reading buddy in the same classroom.