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.

4-H Cloverbuds enables K – 2^nd graders to have fun, learn new life skills, build self-confidence, learn responsibility and set and achieve goals.   Cloverbuds from GilbertLinkousElementary School meet after school and are involved in a wide variety of activities that build a firm foundation for the 4-H principles.  There are outdoor and indoor activities for the kids.  Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:30-4:30

At Lantern Ridge, volunteers interact with kids living in the Lantern Ridge apartment complex, providing after school activities and acting as positive role models.  Volunteers spend time playing with kids and serving as a mentor, while providing a safe and stable experience for the children.  Tuesdays/Fridays 3:30-4:30

Prices Fork Homework Club is an after school tutoring program designed to help tutor and mentor 4th and 5th grade students.  The group environment allows volunteers to tutor either one-on-one or with several students and encourages students to learn from each other.  A casual environment makes this tutoring opportunity one that is enjoyable for both the students and the volunteers.  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.   Additional volunteer training is required for this program and volunteer need is limited.  days and times TBD                  

Shawnee is located just minutes away from the Math Emporium.   It provides assistance to a diverse group of elementary school aged kids.  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                   

Our Shawsville SOL Tutoring programs takes place at ShawsvilleElementary School (1/2 hour drive from campus) and focuses on the Virginia Standards of Learning test skills, primarily math related.  Participants include 4th and 5th graders who work on computer modules and educational games in an after school setting.  Thursdays 3:00-5:00, includes travel time 

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.

AEA (Applied Environmental Awareness) & Ytoss?

Applied Environmental Awareness is a program of the YMCA dedicated to spreading awareness of environmental issues through volunteer service and education.  AEA focuses on the surrounding Blacksburg community and the Virginia Tech campus and has initiated programs which specifically target the general public rather than the student body alone.  We strive to facilitate cooperation with other environmental clubs to ensure beneficial and long-lasting environmental change.   Ytoss?, a special reuse & recycling program we run recruits volunteers to help with on campus collection in May during Move Out and again for our sale in August during Move In.

Buddy Playgroup

Join us every other weekend for play groups for families of elementary children with special needs.  The entire family, including siblings, are encouraged to come.  The goal is not to teach or practice specific skills but offer parents, children and volunteers the opportunity to socialize in a relaxed and accommodating environment.  Y volunteers will set up play stations around the room (art, music, blocks, dress-up, pretend, reading) that children can choose from.  A parent or guardian will accompany children for the entire duration of the program and will be asked to bring a paper that has a quick overview of “do’s and don’ts”  that the volunteers can refer to when interacting with their child.  2nd and 4th Sundays starting Feb 28, 3-5pm

Project Home Repair

Project Home Repair, a YSP cornerstone program, provides free basic services for low-income, disabled and elderly residents of MontgomeryCounty and the surrounding community.  Volunteers assist with a variety of outdoor clean up jobs and/or painting projects.  PHR crews work on weekends and aim to complete 3 projects per semester.  Tools and experience are not necessary, although experienced volunteers are always helpful and welcome.  Various weekends TBD

Senior Connections

Senior Connections is another one of the cornerstone programs of the YMCA at Virginia Tech.  Volunteers visit with seniors at WarmHearthVillage twice a week, socializing, sharing craft activities, exchanging stories and celebrating life.  Fridays/Sundays 2:30-4:30 (includes travel time)

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 the Y Crafts Fair (November) and Y Book Sale (October).  Visit our home page for updates on special events.

 See students like you talking about their passion for serving our community through the YMCA at Virginia Tech.