Volunteer

There are many ways to make a difference in a student's life. To work with an adult who cares about their life and their future — and who expects them to succeed — can be the "shot in the arm" to help a student overcome obstacles on the way to college success.

How to Get Involved
Even if you have a few hours to spare, EPACS greatly appreciates your help. Here's how to join our educational community:

• Find an opportunity that interests you — read below or contact our volunteer coordinator to set up an appointment to find the right choice for you.
• Tell us a bit about yourself and your interests.
• Let us know if you have any questions — email susie.estrada@aspirepublicschools.org. 

Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities here at EPACS. We have needs at all grade levels and in all content areas. Consistency is key to success — we need individuals who can regularly be a positive presence in our students' lives. Don't worry if you don't see something that strikes you right away. Below is a only a partial list of opportunities; if there is something you'd like to contribute beyond what's here, just contact us: susie.estrada@aspirepublicschools.org!

• Tutoring/Mentoring (K-8): Work with a student one-on-one to support academic and personal progress.  Some students just need a confidant or positive role model; others just a need a little “boost” academically.  Arrangements are flexible and can include support across the subject areas or a specific content focus (e.g. help with physics after school or literacy support in the morning).  Our ideal time commitment is at least once a week.
• Project-Based Learning Support/Evaluation – Science Fair & Exhibitions (Grades 6-8): Our students engage in a variety of interdisciplinary research and science projects throughout the year; it is invaluable for them to present their learning to real-world professionals (outside the “school sphere”). You see an example of some of the work involved with Exhibitions here.  Traditionally these projects have been concentrated in the spring.  However, we are working to spread these learning opportunities throughout the school year, and we need support with project development (e.g. interviews), revision, and evaluation (judging presentations).
• Collective Roots Garden Volunteer Work Days: Help maintain (and grow) our beautiful on-campus organic garden.  Collective Roots (www.collectiveroots.org), a non-profit that promotes health, education and the environment through garden-based learning, is housed on our campus.  They hold monthly garden work days on Saturdays – a great opportunity for the family – and welcome regular volunteers during the week.
• Career Conversations (starting 6th-8th): Our aim is to expand our students’ horizons so that they are aware of the wide array of career paths that await them (and the requisite education involved in different pursuits).  “Career conversations” is a broad term – it could involve a presentation about what you do to an advisory class or an informal “Q & A” over lunch with a small group of students.  Perhaps a visit to your work place to see life and career skills in action could be arranged.
• By Arrangement / Interest: Just because it’s not listed above doesn’t mean a need doesn’t exist.  If you’re willing to make the commitment, we can make it work! Just contact us - susie.estrada@aspirepublicschools.org.

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