Education
Project Community students will work with schools or after-school programs to tutor, mentor, or engage K-12 students in educational programs and activities. The following sites require patient, supportive, and reliable volunteers who are dedicated to working with youth in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, or Detroit. Many sites require background checks.
All of the Education sites count toward the Sociology & Social Work (SSW) Submajor in the Sociology Department.
Ann Arbor Public Schools (Section 020)
What: Most of the volunteers’ time will be spent assisting elementary school teachers in classrooms with specific students, small groups, or the whole class. Volunteers may help with a variety of activities, such as reading, math, science experiments, and art projects.
When: Shifts will generally be between 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. Students will be responsible for volunteering 2-4 hours a week outside of class, in order to gain 20-30 hours by the end of the semester.
AAPS Volunteer Placement Overview
Transportation: Students are welcome to take their own cars or LSA-CARS is provided free of charge for students without a vehicle. Students can also take Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti buses for free with their Mcard to get to their site.
Orientation/Training: Students are required to complete a volunteer application, background check, and online orientation before being placed at a specific school.
Peace Neighborhood Center (Section 021)
What: Peace Neighborhood Center (PNC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide programs for children, families and individuals who are affected by social and economic problems. Peace helps people discover options, enhance skills, and develop attitudes that lead to self-sufficiency and positive community involvement. Volunteer opportunities are available working with elementary, middle school, and high school students. Volunteers will build skills tutoring, mentoring, building relationships with youth, and supporting youth in making academic and personal goals
Who: Volunteers need to be patient, reliable, and positive. We expect volunteers to feel comfortable taking initiative and to believe in the greatness in every child.
When:
Peace Neighborhood Center Volunteer Information
Elementary School Tutoring
Mondays and Wednesdays: 4:45-5:45pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 5:45-6:45pm
Middle School Tutoring
Mondays and Wednesdays: 5:30-6:45pm
High School Tutoring
Wednesdays: 5:30-6:45pm
Students should commit to 2 afternoons/week. It is expected that you will volunteer between 2-4 hours a week outside of class, with the goal of obtaining approximately 20-30 hours by the end of the semester. Students should allow for driving time on the days they volunteer.
Where: You will volunteer at one of their locations in Ann Arbor: Peace Neighborhood Center Main Office (1111 N Maple Rd), Maple Meadows (880 S Maple Rd), and/or West Arbor (717 N Maple Rd).
Transportation: Students are welcome to take their own cars or LSA-CARS is provided free of charge for students without a vehicle. Students can also take Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti buses for free with their Mcard to get to their site: #2 or #5 or #6 to #12 A/B or #9.
Orientation/Training: Students are required to complete a volunteer application, background check, and attend an orientation session.
826Michigan (Section 022)
What: 826michigan is a nonprofit organization that inspires school-aged students to write with skill and confidence in collaboration with adult volunteers in their communities. Our writing programs provide an energizing creative outlet for students and meaningful volunteer opportunities for community members. We believe that with individualized attention from caring adults, students improve their academic performance, develop a sense of belonging, and discover the unique value of their voices.
Skills: This experience will offer volunteers real-world, hands-on experience working with young people in the field of education, and they will assist students with cultivating their creativity and encouraging expression.
Who: We are looking for volunteers from every background and area of expertise–we believe that everyone is a writer, because everyone has interesting thoughts, creative ideas, and important things to say. We like our students’ interests and identities to be reflected in our volunteer pool. Volunteers who have an interest in education, social justice, creative writing, or Spanish-language ability are especially encouraged to apply but ALL are welcome and needed.
826michigan Volunteer Shift Options: Winter 2026
Students will be expected to volunteer for approximately 2-4 hours a week outside of class, with the goal of obtaining approximately 20-30 hours by the end of the semester. Students can volunteer for any 826michigan program (i.e., field trips, in-school projects, other workshops, etc.) to fulfill their hours. We encourage Project Community students to register as soon as possible in order to secure a spot in their desired shifts.
Where: Volunteer opportunities are available with 826michigan’s Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit programs.
Transportation: Students are also welcome to take their own cars or LSA-CARS is provided free of charge for students without a vehicle. Students can also take Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti buses for free with their Mcard.
Orientation/Training: Volunteers are required to participate in a online training session. Background checks required.