Needs From: United Way of Rhode Island

Inspiring Minds is a non-profit education agency founded in 1963 to provide academic support for children in two elementary schools. Named Lippitt Hill Tutorial initially, the organization grew into a citywide service and, in 1988, became Volunteers in Providence Schools. The more elegant name of Inspiring Minds was adopted in 2008.  Inspiring Minds is a student-centered organization, ensuring our programs are focused on promoting positive outcomes for the youth we serve. 

 

Inspiring Minds Mission: 

Inspiring Minds empowers students for success in school and life by supporting them with trusted relationships, tutoring, and mentoring from inspired community members.

 

Commitment to Diversity and Anti-Racism

We believe that excellence thrives in an inclusive environment that values diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in our organization and believe that our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve. We must be actively anti-racist, and we commit to doing so. Curiosity and critical thinking are essential to the dialogue and changes that need to happen for our community to thrive. 

 

General Description: 

Explorers are positive role models considering careers in teaching and learning, youth development, or social service fields.  Explorers support Pre-K to grade 5 students in the In-School Tutoring and Mentoring program. Explorers are matched with students in small groups to develop a trusting relationship and engage in structured activities, often around a classroom or homework-related topic.  In addition to 80 hours of paid service-learning, Explorers must attend five individual mentoring sessions with the program coordinator and attend a minimum of 20 hours of professional development annually. 

 

Only extraordinary people work here. Our goals are ambitious but achievable. We have high expectations for ourselves, our students, and our volunteers.  We do whatever it takes to achieve our mission ethically. Our ideal candidate is someone who works hard and will have fun while dreaming big.  Our ideal candidate possesses an influential and welcoming communication style, high integrity, and a positive attitude.  

 

MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Participate in workforce development training sessions. Work collaboratively with peers. Act as a positive role model. Positive role models serve as an example. Positive role models show passion and possess an ability to inspire; have a clear set of values in alignment with Inspiring Minds; show commitment to community, be selfless, and accept others. Finally, good role models can demonstrate the ability to overcome obstacles. Assist students in math, reading, writing, and other literacy-based skills with the teaching staff. Engage students in intentional relationship-building activities. Maintain student confidentiality. Wear an Inspiring Minds name badge, document impacts in GivePulse, and complete a timecard.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES / REQUIREMENTS

Explorers must attend 20 Hours of Professional development, including: o Explorer Orientation 

 

                        o             New Member Orientation for Inspiring Minds’ Tutoring and Mentoring Program 

Explorers must attend a minimum of five 1:1 mentoring sessions.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 

 

Qualifications:   

Two sources fund this program, and qualifications differ:  

1) Real Skills for Youth- BIPOC and Multilingual Youth and age 18-24.

Experience:  

No experience is required.

Volunteering is a great way to help others and give back to your community while also developing greater fluency in Spanish through weekly practice of speaking and comprehension skills. Our In School Tutoring and Mentoring program gives you the opportunity to be in a classroom on a weekly basis to form trusted relationships with public elementary school students. One hour a week is all it takes to make a tremendous impact on you and your students! 

The children we serve will love you being in the classroom and will keep asking for you to come back week after week. Knowing and practicing Spanish will make them light up and express their authentic selves. Teaching experience is not necessary, we provide training and the teachers provide the materials. Let us connect you to Providence students in Dual Language and ELL classrooms who will most benefit from the additional multilingual attention! 

Learn more about us and our programs at inspiringmindsri.org. Ready to make the leap? Apply now: https://inspiringminds.givepulse.com.

Inspiring Minds is seeking volunteers for its educational programs. Inspire a student in as little as one hour per week! 

Inspiring Minds empowers students to succeed and thrive in school and life by developing trusted relationships with community members who are knowledgeable of the culturally responsive, academic, and socio-emotional needs necessary for student success. Through provided training, you will be able to step into any classroom in Providence elementary schools armed with the knowledge and skills to do precisely that. 

Through the provision of academic tutoring and mentoring, you develop a trusted relationship with a student that impacts both of you in a myriad ways. In as little as an hour during the school day every week, you can have a huge impact on the success and academic and social outcomes of Providence students! 

For more information, please visit our website, https://inspiringmindsri.org. 

Ready to apply? Access our online application here: https://inspiringminds.givepulse.com