Get Started

Thank you for your interest in contributing to Cambridge public school students’ success! CSV equips students to thrive now and as adults by making good matches. The more they can see themselves in a mentor or tutor, the deeper the impact on their success. Education research and CSV's experience tell us that good relationships benefit student learning the most. Our investment in relationships is why CSV volunteer placements are at least one semester long (three months, minimum)

Experience 

No tutoring or experience is necessary. CSV provides training and ongoing coaching for the program in which a volunteer is placed.

1. Documents

You will be asked to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form. You must include a digitized copy (scan) of your passport, driver’s license, or other photo ID with the CORI form. In addition, the school district requires us to document up-to-date immunization status for in-person volunteers, including, but not limited to, documentation of up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19.

2. Application

Volunteers must fill out the online volunteer application form. If you are prompted to "Sign in" to a Google account, please do so. This is necessary for uploading required documents. If you have any issues with this process, please contact us at csv@cpsd.us for assistance.

We ask for your patience in waiting for a response. During the summer months we have fewer staff and processing your form may be delayed until mid-August.

3. References 

We require two references—at least one must be professional. The other may be personal, but not from a family member.
Reference Form

4. Orientation

A small-group orientation session is required for all new volunteers before they are offered a placement. Throughout the fall, orientations are available at least once a week and less frequently from December–May. The session will guide you through our expectations, the support you can expect from us, and information about the roles available to you.
View calendar of virtual orientations and pre-register.

5. Placement

Most CSV volunteer programs also require a placement meeting of about 10 minutes after the completion of your application, receipt of your references, and attendance at a new volunteer orientation. This meeting is usually conducted virtually.

6. Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Workshop

Cambridge School Volunteers supports and collaborates with Cambridge Public Schools in its commitment to educational equity, which includes
“advancing and centering equity in the culture and practices of [each] school through an anti-racist and anti-bias lens. The desired outcome is the closing of the academic achievement gap for students and ending the opportunity gaps that permeate the school community.”

To help our volunteers incorporate an active understanding of how these practices are essential for productive volunteer-student relationships, CSV provides mandatory training for all new volunteers or returning volunteers who have not participated.

7. Optional Workshops

Additional workshops are offered for volunteers during the year in academic subject areas, students’ social and emotional development, and other topics that enhance volunteers’ work with students.