The YMCA at Virginia Tech has been providing volunteer and leadership opportunities for VT students since 1873.  Join one of our many community service programs and volunteer with kids, special needs individuals, low- income families and/or seniors.  Whether you are looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity or a long-term commitment as an individual, the YMCA at VT works with you to find the right fit for you and your schedule.

Margaret Beeks Academic Mentoring is an after-school tutoring program at Margaret Beeks Elementary. Volunteers assist in one-on-one homework help with students in grades K-5, as well as participate in a hands-on learning activity/game after. Mondays-Thursdays 3:15-5:00 pm.   

Prices Fork Homework Club is an after school tutoring program at Prices Fork Elementary School designed to help tutor and mentor 3rd and 5th grade students.  The group environment allows volunteers to tutor either one-on-one or with in small groups and encourages students to learn from their peers.Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:30-4:40

Project HOPE volunteers assist with tutoring of homeless children and teens living in transitional housing.  Tutoring sessions take place at confidential locations in Blacksburg and Christiansburg.   Additional volunteer training is required for this program and volunteer need is limited.  Mondays and Thursdays 3:30-5:00.

Shawnee is located just minutes away from the Math Emporium.   It provides assistance to a diverse group of elementary school aged kids who live at the Shawnee Apartments.  Most children attending the program are from various international backgrounds.   The focus is on developing the participant’s English skills and sharing with them in cultural immersion activities.  Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:40-4:45         

Please note:  No need to attend the programs above on both days offered if your schedule does not permit.  One day per week is fine, but please plan to participate the entire semester so there is consistency for the program participants! 

Alternative Breaks & Weekends Program

We started our Alternative Breaks Trips in 1986 with a work trip to Ivanhoe, Va., a remote mining community.  As the years have gone by, we’ve done volunteer work around the globe, including an Indian Reservation in South Dakota, within the Gulf Coast Communities post Katrina, in Sri Lanka post tsunami and we will again travel to the Dominican Republic to do service in a remote community.  These trips run during all breaks: Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring, and some weekends.

Ytoss

Ytoss is a recycling program where we collect unwanted, gently-used items from VT and RU students during May move-out. These items are tested, cleaned and stored over the summer and sold back to the community for a low cost during August move-in. This helps keep many items from ending up in the landfill, helps promote recycling & sustainability, provides low-cost dorm/apartment items during move in and helps support the Y Student Programs. Proceeds from the sale go to support all of the Y Student Outreach Programs listed. 

Senior Connections

Senior Connections is another one of the cornerstone programs of the YMCA at Virginia Tech.  Volunteers visit with seniors at Warm Hearth Village (in Blacksburg) or Wheatland Hills (in Christiansburg) every week, socializing, sharing craft activities, exchanging stories and celebrating life.  Time: TBD

Tutoring

Volunteers serve in two different capacities, either as a classroom aide during the public school hours or working one-on-one with students elementary through high school.  Tutoring times vary and are based on parents/teachers request.  Your program leaders will facilitate communication between you and the interested parents/teachers.  Additional tutor training provided.  days/times based upon your availability

Special Events

Participate in various Y fundraisers and special events such as Relay for Life, the Y Crafts Fair (November) and  the Y Book Sale (October).  Visit our home page for updates on special events.