Volunteer

Why Volunteer?

Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham. We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Throughout the year, we rely on the support of more than one hundred volunteers with a variety of skills and backgrounds. There are many ways you can empower Student U students with your service of time and skills including tutoring, mentoring, and working at The W.G. Pearson garden. 

Volunteer as a Tutor

Volunteer tutors are an essential part of our efforts to ensure academic achievement for every student in every school. Volunteer tutors make a commitment to serve at least once a week for a semester. On average, our volunteer tutors volunteer at least 1-2 hours per session. All volunteer tutor positions are in the afternoon and evening hours. Generally, tutoring takes place at The W.G. Pearson Center, daily, during our after school middle school program and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for our high school program. There are some virtual tutoring opportunities as well. 

Please check back at the end of the semester for Spring volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer as a Gardener

Volunteer gardeners help us provide fresh fruits and vegetables to families in our community. Our garden exists to combat the scarce access to fresh and healthy foods in our community, The W.G. Pearson Center operates a community and teaching garden in its backyard that produces fresh produce for our community members. Garden Workdays are scheduled on a monthly basis on Saturdays and typically run from 9:00-11:00AM. Typical volunteer activities include planting seeds, weeding the garden beds, watering and mulching the garden area, and general area maintenance.

A reminder email with relevant details will be emailed a week before the workday you sign up for.

Volunteer on our Operations Team

Join our Operations Volunteer Team and support Student U by helping with essential tasks that keep our programs running smoothly. From managing the front desk as a receptionist to providing childcare during parent workshops and events, these roles are vital in creating a welcoming and organized environment for our students, families, and staff. If you’re passionate about making a difference behind the scenes, we’d love to have you as part of our team!

Volunteer Your Specialized Skills/Talents

Volunteers leveraging their specialized skills and talents strengthen the infrastructure of Student U, helping us build and sustain our capacity to successfully achieve our missions. Skill-based volunteering is a way to practice your most specialized skill while giving back in an impactful way. Volunteers don’t need to be part of a corporate volunteer program and there is ample opportunities to donate your skills at Student U. For instance, photography and videography, technology and innovation, healthcare and wellness, data and research, carpentry and construction, and much more. 

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