Academic Programs

Reading and Math Heroes

Who

1st-8th grade students

When

Tuesday 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Reading)
Thursday 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Math)

Where

Little Lights Center (1st-4th); Potomac Gardens Units (5th-8th)

At the Reading and Math Heroes program, volunteers help students learn and practice basic reading and math skills through one-on-one tutoring. Research has overwhelmingly shown the single most important factor separating excellent readers from poor readers is whether or not they have a caring adult who reads with them.

Tutors receive training that introduces them to Little Lights community, the program, and curriculum. Tutors are paired with the same child for an entire semester (or year). Lesson plans, additional resources, and activities are provided. Little Lights staff members are on hand to guide students and tutors through the session as well as answer any questions.


Homework Club

Who

K-8th grade students

When

Tuesday-Friday, 3:30-6:00 pm

Where

Little Lights Center (K-4th grade)
Potomac Gardens Units (5th-8th)

At Homework Club volunteers assist students with homework assignments and/or lead small groups in recreational or enrichment activities. Once a week, students participate in a club that they chose at the beginning of the semester. Club times have included chess, cooking, arts and crafts, and keyboard.

Tutors receive training that introduces them to Little Lights community, the program, and curriculum. Little Lights staff members are on hand to guide students and volunteers through the program time as well as answer any questions.

Interested in Volunteering?

Contact Jessie Choi at volunteer@littlelights.org or call 202.548.4021

» Volunteer Application
» Volunteer Training Schedule

Thoughts on Volunteer Experience.

"...Volunteering every Tuesday night is a highlight of my week. It is fun, rewarding, and occasionally challenging working with the kids. More importantly it is very fulfilling coming to a place where I can feel evidence of God's work in the lives of the kids and the community Little Lights serves. I have sincerely enjoyed my time volunteering at Little Lights and I look forward to being involved for a long time to come!" --Ryan Pemberton, Reading Heroes volunteer

Location Directions

Volunteer Requirements
For NEW volunteers:
  1. Completed Little Lights Volunteer Application
  2. Attendance to one LL New Volunteer Orientation.
  3. Attendance to all necessary program-specific trainings
  4. Up-to-date negative TB record
    (suggested TB sites)
  5. *Outside Program Time agreement
  6. *2012-2013 Confidentiality Agreement
    (for Reading and Math Hero Tutors only!)
  7. *Background check (after your application is submitted you will receive an email from Christianbackgroundchecks.com asking you fill out their online form. The cost is $10.00. Once you fill out the form the search results will be sent directly to the Volunteer Coordinator. Your information is kept confidential. Having a background check is something we are legally required to do for all our volunteers and staff.)

    8. *These forms can now be filled out online. Once your online application is filled out the Volunteer Coordinator will email you the forms.

For RETURNING volunteers:
  1. Up-to-date TB records (suggested TB sites)
  2. Attendance to all necessary program-specific trainings
  3. Any of the aforementioned "NEW" volunteer requirements, if you have not taken care of them before (including attendance to a New Volunteer Orientation!)