Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the SAY Detroit Play Center (SAY Play)! SAY Play is an after-school program and summer camp that offers students academic support and cultural enrichment. Volunteers are a pivotal component in the effectiveness of our programming.
The safety of our students is critical and as such, we ask volunteers who will be working closely with our participants to submit to and pass background checks to volunteer for a number of opportunities in academics, the arts, and recreational activities, including those below.
ACADEMIC ROLES
You will have the opportunity to work with students in grades three through twelve to help them as a tutor or reading partner. Programs run Monday – Thursday, 3:30 – 6:30 pm, and we prefer a minimum commitment of 2 days per week.
Tutors
Volunteers will be paired with students and provide tutoring based on the student’s educational and developmental needs, from grades 3 – 12. Subjects include English, Reading Literacy, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects. We are also seeking volunteers to help ensure the program runs smoothly in regards to logistics and documentation. Through training, we ensure our volunteers are comfortable and prepared to engage our students. Tutoring sessions are to last for approximately 75 minutes.
Reading Partners
There is no doubt that the pandemic impacted our youth academically. Some of their skills in reading and literacy were hindered as a result. Reading partners will sit alongside a student (in grades 3 – 8) as they read. When needed the volunteer will help the student with pronunciation and help them comprehend/engage with the text.
ARTS & RECREATION ACTIVITIES
As we strive to cultivate the curiosities of our students, volunteers will have the opportunity to assist our digital, creative, and performing arts instructors, as well as our sports and recreational instructors and coaches with carrying out their lessons and activities for the student’s chosen activities.
After your application is submitted and a background check is cleared, we will be in touch to discuss how best you can serve our students based on your experience and availability. Thank you in advance for your time, energy, and expertise! We look forward to hearing from you.