Volunteer at Dream
Make a difference in the life of a young person today. It will change your life.
DREAM wouldn’t exist without volunteers. In 1991, it was volunteers who transformed an abandoned, garbage-strewn parking lot into two baseball diamonds for East Harlem youth, ultimately founding Harlem RBI. Today volunteers still form the backbone of DREAM, which relies on a diverse corps of over 100 volunteers in a range of positions to run its award-winning programs.
We are currently recruiting for volunteer tutors and coaches. For questions or to speak with a staff member, email us at volunteer@wearedream.org.
Minimum Requirements:
Able to make minimum commitment connected with a specific volunteer opportunity
Benefits of volunteering at DREAM:
- Gain invaluable experience and opportunities for professional development at an award-winning youth development program;
- Receive an optional professional reference upon completion of your service term;
- Join an incredible community of passionate staff and volunteers.
Volunteer Opportunities at DREAM
MIDDLE SCHOOL TUTORS
Tutors provide subject-specific academic support to our middle school students in East Harlem and the South Bronx. Tutors work with youth individually and in small groups to help improve student success in class, increase subject-specific retention, and contribute to overall academic development.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead weekly tutoring sessions supported by staff and volunteers;
- Support participants with homework completion in a middle school subject of your choice, including: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies;
- What We’re Looking For
- Strong command of one or more of the following academic subjects: English, Math, Science, and/or Social Studies
- Previous experience working with youth;
- 1-2 years previous tutoring experience (a plus);
- 1-2 years teaching experience (a major plus);
Hours: At least one 1.5 hour session per week, Monday-Thursday, 4:00-6:30pm.
Commitment: At least 3 months. Cycle 1: Sept-Dec/ Cycle 2: Feb - May
Recruitment Season: August-March
COLLEGE SUCCESS MENTOR
What You’ll Do:
- Deliver support and guidance as students work to form communities, get involved on campus, and access campus resources.
- Communicate student’s progress with DREAM staff.
- Serve as a role model and build positive relationships with mentee.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong understanding of the challenges low-income students face as they transition to college life;
- Possess enthusiasm, empathy, and patience;
- Ability to make a year-long commitment;
- Previous experience working with young adults;
- Bachelor’s Degree.
Hours: Volunteer mentors commit to communicating with their mentee (email/phone chat) once a week, and participating in a program at DREAM 1-2 times per semester.
Commitment: One year.
Recruitment Season: June-September
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL COACHES:
Volunteer baseball/softball coaches work with youth ages 11-18 in practices and games. Each coach serves as a member of a staff made up of volunteer coaches and managers. Coaches have a direct and noticeable impact on the positive development of the youth they coach.
What You'll Do:
- Coach youth in technical skills, team building, and personal development;
- Lead practices, facilitate team meetings and attend professional development training;
- Provide a positive, team-based environment focused on teaching baseball, softball and life skills;
- What We're Looking For
- Ability to create a positive, team-based environment focused on teaching baseball/softball;
- Baseball/Softball playing or coaching experience for ages 11 and up;
- Experience with inner-city coaching (a plus);
- At least 18 years of age.
Commitment: At least one 1 full season (April to June -Middle School League/ April to August -High School League). Coaches attend 1 weekday practice and 1 weekend game per week.
Recruitment Season: December- June
ROOKIES T-BALL COACHES:
Volunteer Rookies T-Ball coaches facilitate practices and games for youth ages 5-7. Each coach serves as a member of a small coaching staff that works with a specific team of youth. Coaches have a direct and noticeable impact on the positive development of the youth they coach.
What You'll Do:
- Guide a team of 16-18 youth through practices and games;
- Provide a fun and positive, team-based environment;
- What We're Looking For
- Ability to create a positive, team-based environment focused on teaching T-ball;
- Experience in baseball/softball (a plus);
- At least 18 years of age.
Hours/Commitment: Six practices and games for an hour and a half on six Saturday mornings or afternoons in July and August.
Recruitment Season: March-July