printer friendly

Volunteer with Click-For-Success and make a lifetime of difference to a child!!!

In the 21st century, "fishing" has taken on a new meaning. A person must be able to communicate well and utilize basic technology tools in order to be successful.

Click-For-Success is a one-of-a-kind program that helps bridge the "Digital Divide" by providing economically disadvantaged families the opportunity to gain technical awareness and skills in the comfort of their own homes and in a classroom environment.

The basic program set-up includes elementary school participants attending a weekly after-school Computer Club to learn basic computer skills. In addition to the classroom training, these students are paired with business and community mentors who visit the families in their homes twice a month to provide on-going technological and general guidance/support.

Through Click-For-Success, students and parents alike are empowered with the technological tools needed to create a brighter future for themselves, for their children, and for their community. The experience is richly rewarding for both student and mentor - with lessons learned extending far beyond the traditional walls of a classroom.

We are currently seeking volunteers to serve as Computer Club Volunteers, Mentors, and Tech Support Volunteers for the 2004-2005 school year. If interested, please contact Kim Kamen (below) for an application. Deadline for submission will be August 30th. We will hold a volunteer orientation in mid-September.

For more information:

URL: www.forrestoutreachfoundation.org and www.Click-For-Success.org

Contact Person: Katie Johnson, Click-For-Success Program Coordinator

Phone number: (469) 358-7766

Email address: volunteer@Click-For-Success.org

Click-For-Success Volunteer Positions

Please consider volunteering with the Click-For-Success Program and make a genuine difference in the lives of others! In many instances, students have received credit hours (in the form of an internship) for their participation.

Computer Club Volunteer (6 slots available)

Description: The Computer Club Volunteer will work closely with a small group of elementary-aged students, helping them to grasp basic computer skills. An experienced classroom teacher will lead the lessons while community volunteers enjoy interacting with the students and providing general support.
Commitment Level: Computer Club meets most Friday afternoons, throughout the school year for one hour (2:45 - 3:45 p.m.).
Expectations: Volunteers should arrive by 2:30 p.m. to assist with set-up and be ready to help oversee/assist with a variety of hands-on educational activities. Volunteers will be asked to attend 4 volunteer training sessions (in the evening) over the course of the year.
Ideal Candidate: The ideal volunteer has a background in either education or engineering/computer science/IT. However, anyone who is extremely familiar with MS Office Products and enjoys working with upper elementary-aged children, may be considered for the position. Bilingual (Spanish and English) a plus, but not necessary.

Mentor (12 slots available)

Description: This opportunity involves the ability to really become acquainted with one particular student and his/her family as he/she reinforces basic computer skills. The Mentor will receive training on the CFS Curriculum and will be provided with numerous enrichment activities. In addition, mentors will participate in a nationally-recognized workshop on Cultural Competency and be provided along with basic mentor training skills.
Commitment Level: Mentors meet with the families at their homes approximately two times per month throughout the school year (for approximately 75 minutes each visit). There is no scheduled time - it's up the mentor and family to find a time that works for both parties. Mentoring is one of the most rewarding experiences, as it provides the intern an opportunity to play a key role in the lives of their student and family, and to witness first-hand the program's benefits.
Expectations: Follow through with any commitment made to the student and family - as the mentor truly becomes a role model. Adhere to the mentoring guidelines. The mentor should be prepared to attend all 4 quarterly Training Sessions (spread throughout the school year), and the year-end celebration scheduled for April 15th.
Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate has had experience working as a mentor or tutor with elementary aged-students and/or has had other forms of volunteer experience with children. The ideal volunteer has a background in either education or computer science/engineering/IT. However, anyone who is extremely familiar with MS Office Products and enjoys working with families in need may be considered for the position. Bilingual (Spanish and English) a strong plus, but not necessary.

Tech-Support Volunteer (4 slots available)

Description: The Tech-Support Volunteer will provide a variety of functions vital to the success of the Click-For-Success Program such as:
- Assisting with basic hardware/software/internet set-up in the homes of client families
- Assisting with occasional "check-ups" on the systems
Ideal Candidate: The ideal Tech Support Volunteer has a major in computer science engineering/IT. However, anyone who is technologically savvy, good at trouble-shooting, and enjoys working with families in need may be considered for the position. Bilingual (Spanish and English) a strong plus, but not necessary.