VOLUNTEER

There are several opportunities within Breakthrough Twin Cities to donate your time – and believe us, it helps. Teacher selection, student selection, even college essay coaching: all of it relies on people who want to help our students achieve their full potential.

TEACHER SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBER

Our Teacher Selection Committee is key to the process that we utilize to select our high school and college-aged teaching fellows. Each year, applicants are invited to either attend an interview event in person or participate in the remote interview process. Committee members will observe sample lessons, evaluate applicants’ application materials, and provide valuable feedback to Breakthrough staff. We rely heavily on the expertise and feedback of our Selection Committee members to fully consider each applicant and make informed selection decisions. No prior teaching experience is required.

Committee members commit to:

• Reviewing anywhere between 1 to 5 candidates per week remotely
• Any number of weeks between January and March 2018

If you are interested in being involved, please fill out the form linked at the top of this page or email dbernal@breakthroughtwincities.org.

 

STUDENT SELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBER

Our Student Selection Committee is essential to the process that we utilize to select our students. Volunteers receive training and guidance on how to review and assess student applications. Committee member read applicant short essay responses and evaluate applicants’ application materials – providing valuable feedback to Breakthrough staff.

If you are interested in being involved next year, please fill out the form linked at the top of this page or email nhamel@breakthroughtwincities.org and indicate that you are interested in Student Selection Committee.

 

COLLEGE ESSAY COACHING

Support a rising senior as they hone their personal essay to be submitted on their college applications!

Note: We have completed our recruitment season for 2017, but please check back in Spring 2018 for next year’s opportunities!

What Does a College Essay Coach Do?

The College Essay Coach is a volunteer position. They work to support to one of our high school rising seniors in the process of considering options and applying for college. In April, the Coach will meet with a student to discuss, edit, and strengthen the personal essay. This ensures that all of our students submit their strongest applications to various colleges and universities.

Coaches work one-on-one with a student during a half-day writing retreat, helping to develop a strong, first draft of their college essay. Coaches will commit to approximately 10 hours of service during the months of May/June.

Responsibilities include:

• Participating in a 3-hour training with BTC Staff
• Participating in a half-day writing retreat with students
• Giving feedback regarding strengths and challenges of College Essay Coach Program for future improvement
• Promoting Breakthrough Twin Cities’ mission to help motivated students overcome adversity in order to prepare for college

Qualifications include:

• Ability to attend half-day writing retreat AND one training
• Commitment to Breakthrough Twin Cities’ mission
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Some experience working with young people and/or desire to work with young people
• Dependability and willingness to be flexible
• Strong writing skills and ability to effectively and constructively convey feedback
• Excellent attention to detail
• Commitment to follow through with students, even if challenges arise
• Currently in pursuit of bachelor’s degree OR have earned a 4-year degree
• Preferred: some tutoring or mentoring experience

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER NEEDS

If you have an interest in any of the volunteer positions listed below, please contact us at volunteer@breakthroughtwincities.org to learn more about our current needs.  Thank you!

• Event planning and execution
• Language translation
• Financial literacy presenter
• Supply drive coordinator
• Guest speaking
• Career panel
• Host a company tour for students
• Host a job shadow student
• Resume and interview skills support