Aspen Snowmass offers numerous opportunities for employees to extend their skill set to the local community through mentoring programs.
If you'd like to arrange a volunteer project for your department please email Matthew Hamilton.
The Buddy Program
BECOME A BIG BUDDY AND MAKE A BIG IMPACT
You have a meaningful opportunity in front of you – to not only guide and inspire a youth today, but to transform their potential for tomorrow. And, your impact can directly strengthen our community. By giving a couple of hours, 3 to 4 times a month, you can give your Little Buddy the invaluable gift of friendship. As a friend, you can provide guidance and opportunities for your Little Buddy to learn and grown. By showing up, listening, and having fun, you can help change a young person’s perspective for the better. Little Buddies are 6 – 18 years of age who are referred by teachers, counselors, or parents and are in need of companionship and encouragement. Big Buddies are responsible, caring individuals who act as a positive role model and advocate for their Little Buddy. Volunteer requirements include full-time, year round residents who are capable of committing to consistent contact with their mentee for a minimum of 1 year. The Buddy Program is especially looking for male mentors to work with children in the midvalley.
Two ways to get involved:
Community Program: Buddy Pairs meet 3 to 4 times per month in the community to take part in a variety of activities, including free Buddy Program sponsored activities, like fly-fishing and cooking classes.
School-based Program: Buddy Pairs meet weekly at the youth’s school. This program is site-based and takes place during the academic year.
Visit the Buddy Program website to fill out a volunteer inquiry form and volunteer with an award-winning mentoring organization. Or watch their short video on mentoring to get inspired
Community Program: Buddy Pairs meet 3 to 4 times per month in the community to take part in a variety of activities, including free Buddy Program sponsored activities, like fly-fishing and cooking classes.
School-based Program: Buddy Pairs meet weekly at the youth’s school. This program is site-based and takes place during the academic year.
Visit the Buddy Program website to fill out a volunteer inquiry form and volunteer with an award-winning mentoring organization. Or watch their short video on mentoring to get inspired
English in Action – English Tutoring
Build a Stronger Community Two People at a Time
1-2 hours a week in locations throughout the Valley
Help mentor adult immigrants in their quest to learn English. No experience is necessary. You will make a big difference in someone's life, while building a stronger community and having fun! Our list of students waiting for a tutor is long, and your help is needed. Our community is stronger when we are more connected and when everyone has the skills they need to participate.
We have two ways to volunteer:
Individual and Small Group Tutoring: We can match you with one student or a small group of 3-6 students at a time and location that works for you. Our students are all adults who want to learn English and meet English-speaking community members. Volunteer tutors meet for 1-2 hours a week. Minimum 6 month commitment. The first step is to attend an orientation training.
Open Hours: Thursdays, 6pm to 7:30pm. This is an informal English practice session held on Thursday nights at our office in El Jebel. We match groups of 1-4 students with a volunteer tutor for the 1.5 hours session. We are looking for volunteer tutors who are available to tutor one or more Thursdays a month and can commit to volunteer at least 6 times. We will offer you a short orientation prior to your first session.
Want to learn more about volunteering or becoming a tutor:
- May 6, 5:30-7:00 pm, Cinco de Derby. Join us for complimentary tequila, cocktails and appetizers at The Art Base in Basalt and learn about volunteering.
- May 13, 2:00-4:30 pm, Tutor Orientation Training, Basalt Regional Library, Basalt. RSVP at info@englishinaction.org.
- June 6, 5:30-8:00 pm, Tutor Orientation Training, English In Action Office, El Jebel. RSVP at info@englishinaction.org.
- August 21, 5:30-8:00 pm, Tutor Orientation Training, Pitkin County Library, Aspen. RSVP at info@englishinaction.org.
- September 19, 5:30-8:00 pm, Tutor Orientation Training, English In Action Office, El Jebel. RSVP at info@englishinaction.org.
Contact
Phone: 970-963-9200www.englishinaction.org
Email: info@englishinaction.org
Junior Achievement of the Roaring Fork Valley
Teaching Volunteers: Volunteers throughout school year at local schools. Just 30-45 min/week for 5 or 6 weeks.
Junior Achievement is an education non-profit that provides fun, interactive programs which focus on business/entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy and workforce readiness...and are taught by community volunteers in local K-12 classrooms. Each volunteer is provided a program “kit” with all the materials he/she will need for the classroom, plus a Volunteer Guidebook that describes the easy lesson plans. The total time commitment for JA volunteers just 30-45 minutes per week for 5 or 6 weeks. Volunteers can arrange their times/dates with the teacher to fit their schedule and can commit to once a week; two times one week and three the next; or all in one week ... whatever works best. The volunteer kit is so user-friendly that volunteers don't need prior teaching experience in a classroom setting to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives.
Email: Laura.Seay@ja.org
www.jaroaringfork.com
Junior Achievement is an education non-profit that provides fun, interactive programs which focus on business/entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy and workforce readiness...and are taught by community volunteers in local K-12 classrooms. Each volunteer is provided a program “kit” with all the materials he/she will need for the classroom, plus a Volunteer Guidebook that describes the easy lesson plans. The total time commitment for JA volunteers just 30-45 minutes per week for 5 or 6 weeks. Volunteers can arrange their times/dates with the teacher to fit their schedule and can commit to once a week; two times one week and three the next; or all in one week ... whatever works best. The volunteer kit is so user-friendly that volunteers don't need prior teaching experience in a classroom setting to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives.
Contact
Laura SeayEmail: Laura.Seay@ja.org
www.jaroaringfork.com
Read with Me at Aspen Elementary School
Weekly for 1-2 hours throughout the school year. 1 year commitment.
A new community reading program through Aspen Elementary School. We target students who would benefit from 1 on 1 direct adult support in reading. We focus on reading skills, comprehension and fluency. Adult volunteers from the Aspen community will give 1-2 hours a week reading with these students. High school Juniors and Seniors will also be volunteering for this program.
For more information
A new community reading program through Aspen Elementary School. We target students who would benefit from 1 on 1 direct adult support in reading. We focus on reading skills, comprehension and fluency. Adult volunteers from the Aspen community will give 1-2 hours a week reading with these students. High school Juniors and Seniors will also be volunteering for this program.
For more information
Roaring Fork School District Capstone Projects
Monthly time commitment varies per project.
The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) is excited to introduce Capstones, a program for graduating students that provides an opportunity for students to direct their own authentic learning experience and build meaningful skills. Capstones represent a change not only in the district’s graduation requirements, but also in the approach needed to achieve the commitment outlined in its mission statement—that of ensuring all students have the knowledge, skills and character to thrive in a changing world.
Capstones are the result of countless conversations that took place as part of a community-wide visioning process in 2013. Through 16 community meetings, the district heard from 1,400 parents and community members that their expectations for a well-rounded student learning experience requires a dual commitment to academic excellence and character development.
Capstones projects are a response to the community’s expectation that students demonstrate competency in core subjects, develop critical thinking and reasoning, and enhance 21st century skills so that they are prepared for college, modern careers, and adult life.
Capstones give students the time, space, and resources to explore a topic of personal interest and enjoy the intrinsic satisfaction of learning. While capstones may take different forms, all students work one-on-one with a Capstone advisor and a community mentor to complete a deep learning exploration. Students will track their experience through a variety of means, including journals, blog posts, and product creation, and then present their experience and learning in a meaningful way to a relevant audience. Ultimately, capstone projects provide not only a platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and character, but also a real-world learning experience that both prepares and excites students for their next steps.
A small number of students will participate in the capstone pilot program this year, and all students graduating in 2018 will complete a capstone project. RFSD received a generous grant from the Margulf Foundation to help launch the capstones program. Grant funding will be used to hire support staff and to offer professional development opportunities. Families of students who will participate in the pilot will receive more information at the start of the school year, and all families can help support the program by talking to students about their interests and passions and helping them brainstorm project ideas.
Capstones are a community-inspired program that must also be embedded in our communities to be successful. And so, we invite your participation and support! As students will be working with mentors throughout the valley, we are seeking mentors in a variety of fields who can offer their time and expertise. If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or otherwise supporting the program, please contact Kelsy Been. Additional information is available here.
Or fill out the application to get started.
The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) is excited to introduce Capstones, a program for graduating students that provides an opportunity for students to direct their own authentic learning experience and build meaningful skills. Capstones represent a change not only in the district’s graduation requirements, but also in the approach needed to achieve the commitment outlined in its mission statement—that of ensuring all students have the knowledge, skills and character to thrive in a changing world.
Capstones are the result of countless conversations that took place as part of a community-wide visioning process in 2013. Through 16 community meetings, the district heard from 1,400 parents and community members that their expectations for a well-rounded student learning experience requires a dual commitment to academic excellence and character development.
Capstones projects are a response to the community’s expectation that students demonstrate competency in core subjects, develop critical thinking and reasoning, and enhance 21st century skills so that they are prepared for college, modern careers, and adult life.
Capstones give students the time, space, and resources to explore a topic of personal interest and enjoy the intrinsic satisfaction of learning. While capstones may take different forms, all students work one-on-one with a Capstone advisor and a community mentor to complete a deep learning exploration. Students will track their experience through a variety of means, including journals, blog posts, and product creation, and then present their experience and learning in a meaningful way to a relevant audience. Ultimately, capstone projects provide not only a platform for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and character, but also a real-world learning experience that both prepares and excites students for their next steps.
A small number of students will participate in the capstone pilot program this year, and all students graduating in 2018 will complete a capstone project. RFSD received a generous grant from the Margulf Foundation to help launch the capstones program. Grant funding will be used to hire support staff and to offer professional development opportunities. Families of students who will participate in the pilot will receive more information at the start of the school year, and all families can help support the program by talking to students about their interests and passions and helping them brainstorm project ideas.
Capstones are a community-inspired program that must also be embedded in our communities to be successful. And so, we invite your participation and support! As students will be working with mentors throughout the valley, we are seeking mentors in a variety of fields who can offer their time and expertise. If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or otherwise supporting the program, please contact Kelsy Been. Additional information is available here.
Or fill out the application to get started.
Youthentity
2 - 6 hours / week or occasional need for guest speakers
YouthEntity engages and empowers youth to discover their potential through real-world learning experiences that make youth job ready, career ready and life ready. As a volunteer for our "I am financial knowledge." or Lemonade Day programs, you will spend 1 - 6 hours in the classroom with 3rd, 4th, 5th or 8th graders to teach them about entrepreneurship, financial literacy and other important life skills using our curriculum. As a guest speaker in our career development programs, you will get the chance to share what you know about hospitality, restaurant management, human resources, or other areas of expertise with the next generation. In our My Career. My Life. program (watch the video below) volunteer coaches teach career exploration by offering a hands-on internship on school grounds. Through our programs, youth see how their collective efforts play out in real life, building their self confidence and providing an authentic source of hope for their futures.
How to Volunteer with YouthEntity's My Career. My Life. Program
Volunteer opportunities exist at Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs Middle Schools as well as Two Rivers Community School. Volunteer coaches are paid a stipend and work with groups of 10 students for 7 - 8 weeks. They meet with their students on school grounds for 1.5 hours per week, during early release Wednesdays. With the support of YouthEntity, coaches structure their sessions around hands-on learning and work towards a final project that varies depending on the career.
For more volunteer information, contact Heather@YouthEntity.org or 970-963-4055.
YouthEntity engages and empowers youth to discover their potential through real-world learning experiences that make youth job ready, career ready and life ready. As a volunteer for our "I am financial knowledge." or Lemonade Day programs, you will spend 1 - 6 hours in the classroom with 3rd, 4th, 5th or 8th graders to teach them about entrepreneurship, financial literacy and other important life skills using our curriculum. As a guest speaker in our career development programs, you will get the chance to share what you know about hospitality, restaurant management, human resources, or other areas of expertise with the next generation. In our My Career. My Life. program (watch the video below) volunteer coaches teach career exploration by offering a hands-on internship on school grounds. Through our programs, youth see how their collective efforts play out in real life, building their self confidence and providing an authentic source of hope for their futures.
How to Volunteer with YouthEntity's My Career. My Life. Program
Volunteer opportunities exist at Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs Middle Schools as well as Two Rivers Community School. Volunteer coaches are paid a stipend and work with groups of 10 students for 7 - 8 weeks. They meet with their students on school grounds for 1.5 hours per week, during early release Wednesdays. With the support of YouthEntity, coaches structure their sessions around hands-on learning and work towards a final project that varies depending on the career.
For more volunteer information, contact Heather@YouthEntity.org or 970-963-4055.
YouthZone – PALS Mentoring
2-3 hours/week. Minimum commitment 1 year
Pals is a voluntary one-on-one mentoring program. Our program focuses on providing young people with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement, positive role modeling, and activities. Volunteer mentors are 15 years of age or older. Youth in the program can be from K-8th grade. Both volunteers and youth go through a thorough interview and our mentors are all screened and trained. A mentor match is made according to activity interests, personality traits, individual likes and dislikes, location and shared life experiences. Contact Patty Schaffner at 945-9300 or pschaffner@youthzone.com.
For more information
Pals is a voluntary one-on-one mentoring program. Our program focuses on providing young people with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement, positive role modeling, and activities. Volunteer mentors are 15 years of age or older. Youth in the program can be from K-8th grade. Both volunteers and youth go through a thorough interview and our mentors are all screened and trained. A mentor match is made according to activity interests, personality traits, individual likes and dislikes, location and shared life experiences. Contact Patty Schaffner at 945-9300 or pschaffner@youthzone.com.
For more information