L.A. Works

Project Description: Become a kid again, using your spirit to inspire first graders to start a lifelong love of reading! Assist students at an elementary school (LA Unified School District) to improve overall reading ability, expand vocabulary, build self-confidence, and broaden their perception of their own potential.

Ready to Learn is a program of NextLA. NextLA is a nonprofit organization offering professional development, community engagement and network building opportunities for LA’s emerging professionals, ages 21-40. Learn more at NextLA.com.

Volunteer Role & Responsibilities:  Volunteers work directly with the children either one-on-one or in small groups. Listen to children read, assist them as necessary, and document the number of books and pages read. Each session also includes a super fun art project. No teaching or art experience is necessary.

Time Commitment: 9:45AM-1:00PM one Saturday per month. We encourage you to join as often as possible  to build a stronger bond with the students.

Requirements: 

• All volunteers on the premises must clear a background check. The background check provided by Verified Volunteers costs $23. Please allow up to one week for processing. We will inform you of your status upon completion of the screening process.  Background checks are valid indefinitely.
• All volunteers must register with L.A. Works, if they are not already.
• Volunteers 13 years and under must be accompanied by an adult and the adult volunteer must complete a background check prior to attending.

How to Apply:

1. Register for your LA Works account
2. On LA Works website click "Express Interest" button for each Ready to Learn session date you are interested in
3. Complete your background check through Verified Volunteers (email invitation will be sent once you express interest in a session)
4. Wait for email confirming your background check has cleared prior to attending your upcoming RTL session

**For any questions about the application process or volunteering with Ready to Learn please contact Karin Brummell at karin.brummell@gmail.com

Note: Your spot on our volunteer roster is pending background check approval (including payment) 

Benefits:

• Feel like a KID again!!
• Assist at an elementary school that serves a predominantly minority and economically disadvantaged student body
• Improve language skills for many children who are learning English as a second language
• Boost a child’s self-esteem and educational future with a small time commitment
• Discover or revisit new and classic children’s books
• Meet a wonderful, diverse group of fellow volunteers