Center on Communities and Education

Get Involved

Students interested in partnering with the West Dallas community through The School Zone, should follow these steps to get involved:

  1. Find an opportunity that interests you.
  2. Complete the Area of Interest Form. NOTE: Most volunteer opportunities can be done on a one-time or continual basis.
  3. Expect an introductory email from Erin Crosby, CCE Director of Communications, connecting you with the organization/school where you chose.
  4. Complete additional paperwork, including a background check.
  5. Participate in a short orientation session at CCE before you start volunteering or working.

Questions: Contact Erin Crosby at eocrosby@smu.edu or 469.387.9434.

EDUCATION & LITERACY

  • Adult ESL Instructors at VMLC: Teach English to adults living in West Dallas. You do not need to speak a foreign language or have teaching experience. Curriculum and training provided. Commitment - Fall semester: Mid-September through early December or Spring semester: Mid-January through end of April for 2 hours a week for 12 weeks. Morning, afternoon or evening classes are available.
  • After School Tutors at Readers2Leaders: Assist elementary students with homework and activities to improve their reading skills. Open to volunteers and work study students. Commitment - M, T, W or Th (at least once a week), 3:30-5:30pm (may arrive as late as 4:15 p.m.)
  • Homework Helpers at TRM: Assist students with their homework; check for correctness, completion, and neatness. Training provided. Commitment - M, T, W or Th, 3-5:30pm (at least once a week)
  • Math Tutors at Multiple Schools: Help elementary students increase their math proficiency. Open to volunteers and work study students. Commitment - At least once a week for a minimum of two hours; times vary 
  • Reading Tutors at C.F. Carr Elementary: Become a reading buddy to 1st and 2nd grade students. Open to volunteers and work study students. Commitment - M, T, W or Th (at least once a week), Noon-2 p.m.
  • Reading Tutors at Multiple Schools: Help elementary students improve their reading skills and increase literacy. Open to volunteers and work study students. Commitment - At least once a week for a minimum of two hours; times vary
  • Teen Tutors at Readers2leaders: Assist middle/high school students with homework. Open to volunteers and work study students. Commitment – Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m.

CHILDREN & YOUTH SERVICES

  • Believe & Achieve Mentors at TRM: Support, motivate, and encourage students, grades 6-12, to graduate from high school by working together to remove roadblocks to academic success. Training provided.
  • GOh! GOh! Girls at Wesley Rankin Community Center: Volunteers (men/women) provide a one-time enrichment activity such as art, cooking, theater, etc. for girls, grades 4-6, participating in this mentoring program. Female volunteers are invited to serve as mentors for girls in the program. Commitment - Saturdays, 9 a.m.-Noon
  • Saturday Story Time at Readers2Leaders: Be a storyteller, plan or assist with a children's craft or serve lunch. Commitment - 2nd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & OUTREACH

  • Senior Citizen's Activities at Wesley Rankin Community Center: Lead a one-time enrichment activity such as crafts, health topics, computer help, Bingo, etc., or host a dance by providing music and food. Spanish is a plus but not required. Commitment - M-F, 9 a.m.-Noon

HUNGER RELIEF/ 

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

  • Free Community Grocery Store at Brother Bill's Helping Hand: Distribute food, sack groceries and get to know West Dallas residents. Commitment - W & Th, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Urban Farming at Paul Quinn College’s WE Over Me Farm: Plant, weed, harvest and maintain this football field that’s now a food source and revenue stream for those living our city’s food desert. 

HEALTH & WELLNESS

  • Nutrition & Wellness Class at Multiple Nonprofits: Provide healthy eating and living tips and activities for seniors. Diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and maintaining a healthy diet are issues facing this community. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

  • Urban Farming at Paul Quinn College’s WE Over Me Farm: Plant, weed, harvest and maintain this football field that’s now a food source and revenue stream for those living our city’s food desert.