Digital Learning Specialist:  Volunteers assist students online or in person with their digital learning skills. There is also an opportunity to visit students in their homes to assist with home Internet set-up and remote learning training. We may ask you to teach a module in class (online or in-person). Our students receive a Chrome Book to complete homework and attend Zoom classes.  We need to train students on using this technology.  Hours are varied and/or you can attend an appointment with a student.  

Teaching Assistant:  Volunteers serve as teaching assistants in the beginning and intermediate classes.  Teaching assistants will lead break-out groups, check students' work, and work with students who may be struggling in class. Volunteers attend classes in the morning or afternoon session. Volunteers schedule their hours with the teacher, so the teachers can prepare work or assignments prior to the class. Volunteers usually commit to 1 to 3 hours per week. 

Peer Navigator:  VSS needs individuals interested in helping our clients with day-to-day activities as clients learn how to navigate government requirements (e.g., official identification, driver’s license, social security numbers), employment applications, or applying for Medical Assistance, Medicaid, financial assistance, medical insurance,  housing and other support services. Volunteers set up appointments with clients to help them fill out paperwork, make medical appointments, apply for drivers' licenses or MN Identification Cards, and apply for jobs. VSS will connect you to a client and provide translation services if necessary. 
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​Class Information:  VSS has Adult Basic Education classes that are in person and on Zoom Monday through Friday. The schedule is 9:30 a.m. to noon.   12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Online evening and weekend classes also are available.

Online Evening Volunteer:  Volunteers  teach a one-hour online class to beginning or intermediate English Learners. The curriculum is provided. The classes are scheduled between 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Friday evenings.  We also may schedule a weekend class. 
You will work with a teacher to reinforce the curriculum that students are learning in their other classes.  You usually have between 2-8 students attending a Zoom conference. Training in teaching strategies and Zoom presentations are offered if needed.  Volunteers usually commit to one-two hours a week.

​Special Services and Events Volunteer:  VSS has many different special events and support services including Vietnamese New Year, vaccination clinics, food distribution and other family focused cultural or learning events.  These may occur during the day or evening and on weekends.

Student Friends/Mentors:  This is an opportunity to build relationships with individual students or their families to help them learn more about American culture. New immigrants need help to learn how to navigate American systems as listed under Peer Navigator above.  Our students also need help learning to drive, shopping at garage sales or thrift stores, using coupons and saving money when shopping for food or food shelves. It helps to have a friend who can support new immigrants who may need to understand purchasing insurance, finding furniture and household goods, getting a MN License or ID, navigating health and dental care and children’s school events, such as student conferences. ​

Contact:  Jo Matson (Community Engagement Coordinator) at [email protected]  OR Jaine King (Adult Education Coordinator) at [email protected].