How to Volunteer

• The Application Process
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Application Process

The application process is fast and easy.  Typically, a new volunteer meets with his or her assigned child within about 14 to 30 days after first contacting us.  If you would like to volunteer, please follow these steps:

1.  Orientation Guide. You should read our Orientation Guide.

2.  Application. Please complete the Application and return it to us via email or regular mail.  All of our Learning Coaches must: be at least 18 years old; not have any criminal history; and have a college degree or the equivalent in life experiences.

3.  Fingerprints. Please have your fingerprints taken pursuant to the Fingerprint Instructions.

4.  Meet with our program coordinatior and your assigned child. After we receive your application and your fingeprint clearance, we will notify you that the paperwork has been completed.  Then our our porgram coordinator, Lisa Harris, will contact you to arrange a meeting for a brief orientation and to introduce you to your assign child and his family. 

Throughout the process and your tenure as a Learning Coach, we will be available to assist you.  You should always feel free to contact our program coordinator Lisa Harris (510-375-4617; email, ) or president Farley Neuman (415-705-0404; email, ) with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How will The College Bound Foundation select the child assigned to me?

If you have a preference for a particular age, gender, or other characteristic, please let us know when you submit your application.  We will work with you to make sure that the assignment is appropriate.  If you express no preference, we will use several factors in making the assignment, including the amount of time a child has been waiting for a coach and the child’s gender; we generally assign girls to female coaches and boys to male coaches.

2.  How will I be introduced to the child?

After we obtain your completed application and fingerprint clearances, our program coordinator will arrange to meet with you for a brief orientation and to answer any questions you may have.  She will then arrange a meeting to introduce you to the child and his parent(s) or guardian(s) at the child’s home. 

3.  When will I meet with the child?

At the initial introductory meeting, the Learning Coach and the child (generally with input from the parent(s) or guardian(s)) will agree upon a time and day of the week for their meetings.  Remember that almost all children need substantially more sleep than adults, so schedule your meetings to bring the child home no later than 8:30 p.m.  Many Learning Coaches like to meet their child around 6:30 p.m. on a weekday.  Others would prefer to meet on the weekends, and a few have the flexibility to meet right after school.  The key is to find a day and time convenient for everyone.

4.  Where do I meet with the child?

Our Learning Coaches pick up their assigned child from her home.  From there, they may walk or drive to a nearby library, park, gym, coffee house, restaurant, museum, bookstore, or other public place. 

5.  What if I cannot make a meeting with my child?

We know there will be times that every Learning Coach must cancel or postpone a meeting.  We only make two requests in this regard:  i) place the meeting with your child on your calendar as though it were an important business meeting; and ii) if you must cancel or postpone, provide the child with as much notice as possible and explain why you cannot meet.  There is no substitute for meeting your child every week for about two hours.  Your consistent attendance exemplifies responsibility, and demonstrates your respect and affection. 

6.  What should I do at my first meeting with the child? 

As you get to know your child, it will become easier to choose what to do and where to go.  Our Orientation Guide lists several ideas and you will likely come up with many more.  When in doubt, make it simple.  For the first meeting, you may just have a snack at a local café or coffee house and take the opportunity to get to know your child better, which should help you pick an activity for the next meeting.  Do not feel the need to spend a full two hours with your child on the first meeting, which you may want to use just to become a little better acquainted. 

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