Volunteer
Surrounding Students with a Community of Support
Volunteers are essential to creating the kind of support students need to thrive. By sharing their time, talents, and care, volunteers expand what’s possible for students — bringing extra hands, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections where they matter most. Whether you’re joining a one-day project, completing a hands-on DIY activity, or committing to an ongoing, relationship-based role, there’s a way to get involved that fits your schedule and interests.
When volunteers step up, students feel supported, encouraged, and seen — and that impact lasts far beyond the day you serve.
Become a Mentor
Research consistently shows that students who have one-on-one support from a caring adult experience powerful benefits, including higher graduation rates, stronger relationships, increased confidence, and improved engagement in school.
As a CIS-C mentor, you’ll be matched with a student for in-person, one-on-one support. Mentors commit to meeting with their student once a week for at least one full school year, helping provide consistency, encouragement, and guidance when it matters most.
We accept mentor applications year-round. If you apply during the summer or between school years, our team will follow up with you to begin the on-boarding process so you’re ready to start mentoring when the new school year begins.
Ready to get started? Complete the mentor application.
Hear From Our Mentors
Our mentors often tell us that the relationships they build with students are some of the most meaningful experiences they’ve had.
Check out our mentor spotlights to learn more about what it’s like to serve as a CIS-C mentor and the impact these connections make.
Tutoring
Supporting academic success is at the heart of what we do. Tutoring is a powerful way for community members to help students stay on track, build confidence, and work toward graduation.
CIS-C connects caring volunteers with students who need extra academic support, matching each student’s needs with the skills and availability of the volunteer. Tutoring can take place over a full school year or for a shorter period of time to help a student strengthen a specific subject area or prepare for an exam.
Interested in helping change a student’s academic trajectory?
Reach out to Program Director Wendy Lively at [email protected] to learn more.
Supply Drives & In-Kind Projects
Many of the students we serve need access to basic essentials, including hygiene products, snacks, school supplies, clothing, and more. Supply drives and in-kind projects are a hands-on way to meet these needs and make an immediate impact.
Volunteers often help by assembling ready-to-use kits that can be distributed directly to students across our partner schools. For example, a group might purchase snack items (we’ll provide a recommended list), assemble them into individual packages, and deliver them to the CIS-C office.
These projects are flexible and can be done:
- At your workplace with colleagues
- At home with family or friends
- On-site at our office or at one of our partner schools
Because student needs change throughout the year, we ask that you connect with our team before organizing an in-kind project. This helps ensure your efforts are aligned with our most immediate needs.
To get started, contact Program Director Wendy Lively at [email protected].
Questions or Want to Get Involved?
If you have questions about tutoring, supply drives, or other volunteer opportunities, you can reach our Program Director, Wendy Lively, at [email protected] or call our office at (804) 717-9305.
And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@cisofchesterfield) for updates, stories, and additional ways to get involved in supporting Chesterfield students.
Support a Student Today
When CIS is present, 99% of students stay in school.