When you were in elementary school, you probably didn’t realize how much community involvement shapes a student’s experience. From classroom support to mentoring relationships, schools thrive when caring adults step in. If you’re looking to make a positive impact in your community, getting involved at your local school is a great place to start!
1. Become a Mentor
The best relationships in life have a necessary component: consistency! There’s nothing like a consistent presence. Mentoring a student for just one hour a week can build confidence, improve academic outcomes, and create a sense of belonging. The Kids Hope USA mentor program makes it simple by partnering schools with churches to match trusted adults with selected students.
Becoming a mentor is a great way to get involved at your local school. It doesn’t require much – just one hour each week where you show up for a young person in your community. You don’t need to purchase anything or have a certain skill set. A mentor is a friend and a role model who continues to show up!
“I mentor because I enjoy working with kids, especially the ones that are not always seen. I mentor because it’s a simple way to make a difference in a child’s life.” – Kids Hope USA Mentor
2. Volunteer in the Classroom
Teachers are stretched thin, and an extra set of hands can make a huge difference. From helping with reading groups to prepping materials, classroom volunteers directly support both students and educators in tangible ways.
This is a great, flexible option to get involved at your local school. Once you fill out a volunteer form and have a background check completed, you will be ready to show up in the classroom!
Teachers often end up taking their work home, and if you can offer to cut crafts out, print worksheets in the office, or volunteer during a class party, they will feel seen and supported!
3. Support School Events
Throughout the school year, there are ample opportunities to support school events. Book fairs, field days, school carnivals, and fundraisers are just a few examples. When you ask to help, even occasionally, it creates memorable experiences for students while also alleviating some of the burden that the school might feel when hosting the event.
If you aren’t sure what opportunities are coming up at your local elementary school, stop by the front office and ask! Otherwise, if you receive the school newsletter, you can hop online and read the most recent post and stay in the loop that way.
4. Mentor as a Local Business or Organization
If your workplace desires to make a local impact, consider becoming a Kids Hope USA community partner! Your team can mentor students one-on-one for one hour each week during the school year, creating meaningful relationships while investing in the next generation
If you oversee a team, be the one to encourage your staff to volunteer during the workday (by mentoring through Kids Hope USA or volunteering with other nonprofits). Allowing your team to serve locally is a great way to increase employee satisfaction and boost morale amongst staff.
5. Join a Parent or Community Group
Groups like PTAs/PTOs or school advisory councils help shape decisions, organize initiatives, and advocate for students. Even if you’re not a parent, many schools welcome community voices to bring fresh perspectives.
Attend the school district meetings that are open to the public. Be curious about the schools in your community and what their needs are. Being aware of the opportunities available to you helps when determining where and how you want to get involved.
6. Share Your Skills or Career Experience
Schools love bringing in guest speakers or hosting career days. Whether you’re in healthcare, various trades, business, or the arts, sharing your professional journey can inspire students and open their eyes to future possibilities.
By simply connecting with a teacher or secretary at your local school, you can offer to speak or be on a job panel to help students recognize their future possibilities.
Get Involved!
Schools and students need people who are willing to show up! Contact us if you want to learn more about one-on-one mentoring through Kids Hope USA and what this could mean for your church or business.