CSV places volunteers in classrooms at the request of CPS teachers. Some classrooms have classroom assistants. Other classrooms may have volunteers who visit and work with students individually or in small groups on literacy, math, or special projects. CSV’s Reading Buddies and KeyPals programs match students to one volunteer for special learning activities.

Caregivers may ask their child’s teacher to learn more about the volunteer support that CSV volunteers provide in the classroom.

Grade 5 students may be referred by their teacher for tutoring in math. Amigos School/Escuela Amigos is the only elementary school with CSV after-school volunteer tutors in 2025-26.

When an upper school or Amigos School teacher requests a volunteer to come during the school day, CSV supplies a qualified volunteer to carry out learning activities under the direction of the teacher. Many of these volunteers build a sustained relationship with the teacher and work in their classroom for consecutive years.

The NetPals program promotes career awareness in science, technology, engineering, and math professions. Students learn about real-world career options and current developments in the field by corresponding with a scientist, tech worker, researcher, or other STEM professional. They also benefit from communicating about their work in science class and receiving individual feedback from their STEM mentors. From January to June, NetPals exchange a series of emails and visit their mentor’s work site twice to see what an office or a lab looks like and what it means to "go to work."

In collaboration with Cambridge Public School staff, CSV serves students in Grades 6–8 in after-school Learning Centers one day a week for 1 ½ hours, at all four upper schools and the Amigos School (K-8). Each center provides students with a supportive setting where tutors assist with homework assignments, reinforce study skills, and provide general academic coaching. CSV matches each trained volunteer with a student who has been referred by their teacher for help at the Learning Center.

Caregivers interested in learning whether tutoring in the Learning Center is appropriate and available for their student should speak with their child’s teacher.

Any CRLS or HSEP student may come for drop-in math or science support before school, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. in the CRLS Library. Tutors are available to work with students either individually or in small groups during this time.

During the school day, CSV volunteers may serve as classroom assistants to teachers. Others may be tutoring individuals or small groups of students assigned to credit-bearing Academic Support classes.

Tutoring Center

Volunteers serve as one-to-one tutors and mentors with students of all levels and needs, providing individualized help to improve students’ skills and knowledge in specific subjects. The Tutoring Center runs after school from 3:15 to 4:15 PM in the CRLS Library, Monday through Friday. Students may request tutoring by filling out an online form or may be referred by a teacher, guidance counselor, or caregiver.

College & Career Mentoring Program (CCMP)

In the fall, volunteers help high school seniors with post-secondary preparation, including the college application process, job readiness, and gap year program research. During the winter scholarship season, volunteers help students identify and complete scholarship applications in collaboration with Workforce and other partners. The program shifts to assist juniors with their post-secondary plans in the spring. Throughout the year, SAT and ACT prep are offered to juniors and seniors. The program meets in the College and Career Resource Center on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:15 PM. Students may also request to have a mentor work with them before or after school in the Tutoring Center.