Tutor a Youth in Foster Care

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Overview:
Are you passionate about mentoring and education? The HAY Center’s Academic Coaching Program seeks dedicated volunteers to work with youth in foster care (ages 13-17), helping them develop essential academic and life skills. As an Academic Coach, you'll empower students to succeed academically and personally.

The Need:
Youth in foster care face significant challenges:

• Average of 5 years in the foster care system
• Up to 8 different placements and 8 different schools within those 5 years
• Falling behind academically, often lacking a traditional support system
• Higher risk of dropping out, with only 50% completing high school and less than 3% graduating from a four-year college

By volunteering, you can be the positive influence these youth need to stay on track academically and gain life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

What You’ll Do:

• As part of a team of academic coaches, you will provide academic support during out-of-school hours.
• Help students with homework, school projects, and staying organized.
• Assist in developing time management, study skills, and impression management strategies.
• Offer encouragement and guidance as students face personal and academic challenges.

What We’re Looking For:

• A passion for education and mentoring
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine ability to connect with youth
• Commitment to making a lasting, positive impact

Training and Support:
You’ll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, with at least one professional tutor available at each site to assist.

Commitment:

• Time: Approxmately 2 hours per week for at least one semester
• Locations: Flexible. We’ll match you with a site in the Greater Houston area that fits your schedule.

Why Volunteer with The HAY Center?
As an Academic Coach, you have the unique opportunity to help foster youth overcome significant obstacles and achieve academic success. Your support could be the turning point in their lives, helping them build skills, confidence, and resilience that will carry them through adulthood.