Volunteer Tutor/Teacher- Afterschool Program

Neighborhood Athletics Volunteer Tutor/Teacher — Afterschool Program

Organization: Neighborhood Athletics
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Position Type: Volunteer, Unpaid
Time Commitment: Approximately 2–4 hours per week
Program: Afterschool Education and Mentorship Program
Youth Served: Ages 6–18
Reports To: Director of Education & Mentorship and designated program staff
Website: https://www.neighborhoodathletics.org

About Neighborhood Athletics

Neighborhood Athletics is a Columbus-based nonprofit organization that empowers young people through sports, education, mentorship, wellness, and positive community engagement.

We provide safe, structured, and inclusive opportunities that help youth grow academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. Our programs include soccer, basketball, homework assistance, tutoring, mentoring, leadership development, wellness activities, and life-skills education.

Position Summary

Neighborhood Athletics is seeking dependable and encouraging volunteer tutors and teachers to support students participating in our afterschool program.

Volunteer tutors and teachers will help youth complete homework, understand classroom assignments, strengthen academic skills, prepare for tests, and develop positive study habits. Volunteers will work with students individually or in small groups in a safe, supervised, and supportive learning environment.

This is an unpaid volunteer position requiring approximately 2–4 hours per week. Volunteers do not need to be licensed teachers, but they should be comfortable helping school-aged youth with academic subjects and committed to following Neighborhood Athletics’ youth-safety requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist students with homework, class assignments, projects, and test preparation.
• Provide individual or small-group tutoring based on student needs.
• Support students in subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Explain academic concepts clearly, patiently, and in age-appropriate ways.
• Help students improve their study habits, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Encourage students to complete assignments independently while providing appropriate guidance.
• Promote confidence, curiosity, responsibility, and a positive attitude toward learning.
• Help students set realistic academic goals and recognize their progress.
• Communicate students’ academic needs, progress, or concerns to authorized program leadership.
• Assist with educational activities, literacy exercises, workshops, and enrichment projects.
• Help maintain a calm, organized, respectful, and welcoming learning environment.
• Prepare or recommend learning materials when requested.
• Maintain accurate attendance or tutoring-session records when required.
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of participating youth and families.
• Follow all Neighborhood Athletics policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.

Volunteer Schedule

Volunteers are asked to commit approximately 2–4 hours per week during scheduled afterschool program hours.

Schedules will be arranged based on:

• Program operating days and hours.
• The volunteer’s availability.
• Student needs and subject areas.
• Special academic workshops or events.

Consistent attendance is important because students benefit from developing reliable relationships with their tutors. Volunteers should notify program leadership as early as possible if they cannot attend a scheduled session.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in teaching, tutoring, mentoring, education, childcare, youth development, social work, or community service is preferred but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• College students, retired educators, current teachers, education professionals, and qualified community members are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to assist with one or more elementary, middle, or high school subjects.
• Strong communication, listening, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Patience and the ability to explain information in different ways.
• Ability to work respectfully with youth from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• A positive, encouraging, dependable, and professional attitude.
• Commitment to educational equity, youth development, and community service.
• Basic computer and technology skills are helpful.

Volunteer Requirements

Selected volunteers must:

• Complete the Neighborhood Athletics volunteer application and interview process.
• Successfully complete a background check before working directly with youth.
• Complete required orientation and youth-safety training.
• Follow all child-protection, supervision, confidentiality, and mandatory-reporting requirements.
• Sign the organization’s Volunteer Agreement, Code of Conduct, Confidentiality Agreement, and other required forms.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with youth.
• Never transport, meet privately with, photograph, or communicate directly with a student outside approved program procedures.
• Immediately report safety concerns, suspected abuse, bullying, harassment, or inappropriate conduct to designated program leadership.
• Avoid exchanging personal contact information or connecting with participating youth through personal social-media accounts.
• Work under the supervision of authorized Neighborhood Athletics personnel.
• Treat every student, family member, volunteer, and staff member with dignity and respect.

Youth Safety and Supervision

The safety and well-being of participating youth are Neighborhood Athletics’ highest priorities.

Volunteer tutors and teachers will work in approved program areas with appropriate supervision and visibility. Volunteers must follow the organization’s youth-protection policies at all times and may not be alone with a student in an isolated or unapproved location.

Tutors are not expected to provide professional counseling, medical advice, legal advice, or services beyond their assigned academic-support responsibilities. Any serious academic, behavioral, emotional, or safety concern must be referred to designated program leadership.

Desired Personal Qualities

The ideal volunteer will be:

• Patient and encouraging.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Respectful and culturally sensitive.
• Passionate about helping young people succeed.
• Comfortable asking questions and receiving guidance.
• Able to build trust while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Flexible when working with students who have different learning styles.
• Committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive learning experience.

Volunteer Benefits

Although this is an unpaid position, volunteers will have opportunities to:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of Columbus youth.
• Help students improve academically and build confidence.
• Gain tutoring, teaching, mentoring, and youth-development experience.
• Strengthen leadership, communication, and community-engagement skills.
• Complete eligible volunteer or community-service hours.
• Receive orientation, training, and support from Neighborhood Athletics.
• Build relationships with educators, mentors, families, and community partners.
• Receive verification of volunteer service or a letter of recommendation based on performance, attendance, and organizational policy.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Neighborhood Athletics is committed to creating an inclusive environment for youth, families, volunteers, staff, and board members. Qualified volunteers will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should submit:

• A completed Neighborhood Athletics volunteer application.
• A résumé or brief summary of relevant experience.
• Their weekly availability.
• The age groups and academic subjects they are comfortable supporting.
• Any relevant teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or youth-development experience.

Join Neighborhood Athletics and help provide young people with the academic support, confidence, and encouragement they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Expected hours: 4.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person