You can be the light for a child in foster care.
We are always looking for volunteers who share our passion for educating kids in foster care. You do not need a background in education or foster care to volunteer tutor with kids. If you are able to commit to at least one hour a week and be a consistent, reliable, positive adult presence in a student’s life, we have a place for you. We match volunteer tutors with kids based on interests, subject matter, and location. Whether you are interested in helping a kindergartner learn his colors or a high schooler build her confidence in algebra, your volunteer engagement is meaningful to our community. Interested in board service? Read more about Learning Bridge board service here.
How to Volunteer
- Complete the volunteer application here.
- After you submit the application to volunteer, we will call you to set up a virtual interview.
- References and background are checked.
- Attend a two hour virtual training. We’ll teach you about the foster care system and trauma-informed care. The training also includes guidance on how to work with families and students, an overview of typical grade-level skills and knowledge, and ideas/strategies for tutoring sessions.
- We match you to a student and facilitate an introductory meeting with the student and family.
Who are Volunteers
Learning Bridge volunteers are former teachers, stay at home moms, accountants, engineers, lawyers, retirees, university students and many others who want to help a child in foster care succeed. Our volunteers range in age from 20s to 70s; we believe that people in all stages of life have unique skills, talents, and experiences to share with children at-risk. We are thrilled we have area college students joined to our tutoring team from UT, Texas State, St. Edward’s and more!
Our volunteers are from all across Central Texas as we strive to match volunteers and students that can regularly meet in-person to ensure a quality tutoring session. Our tutors are in Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Hutto, Austin, Bastrop, San Marcos, Kyle, Dripping Springs, and more!
For 2024-2025 school year, more volunteers are needed specifically in: Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park.
Why Volunteer Tutor
Volunteering as a tutor with kids is not just about giving back; it’s a rewarding experience that enriches your life while making a significant impact on these special lives and in our Central Texas communities. Here are some wonderful benefits you can expect:
Make a Difference
By sharing your caring heart and your time, you help foster and unhoused kids improve their grades and gain the confidence they need to succeed. I’m sure we can all remember a time in our youth that was challenging, and when a helping hand made such a positive difference. You too can be that helping hand to uplift these lives fraught with hardships they didn’t ask for.
Personal Growth
Volunteering challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, develop new skills, and enhance your teaching abilities. While we may be the tutor, we often learn just as much from these special kids teaching us. Let’s grow together!
Build Meaningful Connections
You’ll form lasting relationships with the students and fellow volunteers. These connections create a supportive community that celebrates each other’s successes and strengthen our communities.
Flexible Commitment
We understand that life can be busy! While we strive to commit to these kids for at least an hour each week, tutoring sessions are highly autonomous, allowing you to flex your creativity and plan with your scheduling needs, making it easier to contribute without overwhelming your calendar.
Gain Experience
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking to switch careers, volunteering provides valuable experience that can enhance your resume and open new doors.
What do Volunteers Say
“I’m a first grade teacher and I love being able to have the opportunity to use my skills to help kids in need. Through this program I’ve been able to practice my sign language with my foster pair and build a relationship with them. If you have an extra hour to spare a week this is a great, rewarding opportunity to give back!”
-Corinne, tutor
“After working with my student for 3 months, he said for the first time, ‘I can read!.’ I was thrilled to hear this and felt I accomplished what I wanted – to close the achievement gap for a child at-risk.”
-Christa, tutor
Check out our social pages! 
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can volunteer?
Anyone at least 18YO that passes a background check and can commit to at least one tutoring session a week with a student.
Where do tutors and students meet?
Tutors and caregivers/parents together figure out what will work best. Most meet at the child’s home, a library, or a park.
What does a tutoring session look like?
The sky is the limit! Tutors enjoy crafting sessions unique to their students’ interests, learning style, and level. Some tutors utilize worksheets heavily, some infuse playful learning. All tutors strive to create a positive setting to help build trust and confidence.
Can I tutor virtually?
Yes. As we learned from the pandemic, in-person learning is vital to all learning senses, however we recognize that scheduling and mobility around the region can be challenges that virtual sessions solve for.
Are there other ways to volunteer?
Absolutely! We welcome your talents in all forms! We have volunteers that lend their education degrees to guide curriculum and resources. We have volunteers that help with our social media. Let us know how you want to volunteer!
Does tutoring end when the school year ends?
Sometimes. Most tutors and students continue through the summer to minimize learning loss and the summer slide. Tutors and caregivers/parents discuss and figure out together what works best.
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