Home » Teen Volunteer Program
Three teen volunteers smiling

Teen Volunteer Program

Teen Volunteers in the Gateways Sunday Program

Want to make a difference? Become a Gateways Teen Volunteer!

If you are a Boston-area teen in grades 10 – 12, you can apply to volunteer to support students in the Gateways Sunday Program as a one-to-one aide or classroom assistant.

More Than a Volunteer Experience

Gateways’ Teen Volunteer Program isn’t your average volunteer experience. What makes our program stand out is not the skillset you’ll gain or the volunteer hours you’ll collect, but the relationships that you’ll build with the students.

Throughout your volunteer experience, you’ll receive weekly training and support from on-site special education teachers and administrators. You will:

  • Learn special education strategies and teaching techniques that support student learning, including how to address challenging behavior, capitalize on the strengths of the student, and implement visual supports to help the student successfully navigate the learning space.
  • Receive on-the-job support from the classroom teacher, volunteer coordinator, and program director. These experienced staff members guide volunteers in helping students achieve their greatest success. 

Aside from learning skills you can take to college or into a career, you’ll play a crucial role as your students build their Jewish identities, supporting them in experiencing a Jewish education that is both accessible and meaningful.

Teen Volunteer Stories

Program Structure and Fees

There is a $250 annual training and materials fee* for participation in the Teen Volunteer Program. The fee is $125 for students selected for half-year placements.

*These fees will be waived for any family that indicates that the costs will present a hardship.

How to Apply

Gateways accepts applications during the spring for the following school year. Teens selected for the program are notified during the summer. Questions? Please contact our Teen Volunteer Coordinator, Mia Hyman.

The application period for 2023-2024 is now open. Click here to apply.

Teen Madrichim Curriculum

Bring our teen training to your school! Our comprehensive training program for teenage volunteer teachers’ assistants, also known as madrichim, will empower them with the tools to become highly effective classroom aides to support the inclusion of students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

photo of a teen and student standing reading from a binder together

Photos

two teen volunteers talking to a teacher

Categories:

Tags: