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 Mijin Paik at mijin@littlelights.org or call 202.548.4021

» 2010-2011 Volunteer Application
» Background Check Release Form
» Volunteer Training Schedule
» Fall 2010 Program Menu

Thoughts on Volunteer Experience.

"I currently teach middle school in the Bronx, NY and am so thankful for the moments I had learning from students in the Little Lights program. My students rock my world--I feel very blessed for the experiences I'm having now and I'm sure I'm a more successful teacher in an urban setting as a result of having spent time with kids in D.C. I hope to come back and volunteer at Little Lights in the future." --Elizabeth Hundley, Spring 2008 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
  5. $15 cash or check (payable to "Little Lights Urban Ministries," only non-student volunteers are required to pay) to help pay for background checks which can cost up to $50
  6. Completed Release Authorization Form
For RETURNING volunteers:
  1. Up-to-date TB records
  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!)