History

Since 1966, Cambridge School Volunteers has had a remarkable record of success bringing the community into the public schools.

The CSV story began with a large quantity of books and a handful of PTA mothers eager to set up much needed libraries in the elementary schools. Committed to improving the standards of public education, these mothers came together to identify other areas where volunteers could be placed to help children in the public schools.

After several years of struggling to stay afloat, CSV saw much hope for the future when the School Department welcomed the group as an integral part of the public school system. In 1974, to increase opportunities for funding, CSV incorporated as a non-profit organization.

The early years brought a variety of programs: the high school Tutoring Center, one-to-one tutoring, classroom assistants, and many special curriculum enrichment programs. Once these were in place, CSV saw opportunities to partner with local corporations, government agencies, universities, and community groups. Today, there are more than twelve collaborations, some of which have been going strong for nearly two decades.

CSV is proud of its legacy in volunteerism to support education in our schools. In 1979, National School Volunteers designated CSV one of the "top 30" volunteer organizations in the country with an "Apple Tree Award." That same year, it was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the U.S. Office of Education. Through the years, representatives from other school systems such as Newton, MA and Appleton, WI have come to CSV for consultation to develop similar programs.

We are pleased to be entering our fifth decade with the support of so many corporations, foundations, individuals, and the Cambridge School Department, and we are enthusiastically looking forward to developing new programs for the children of Cambridge.