Education & Literacy
Abington Free Library
The literacy program at Abington Free Library helps people achieve their basic educational goals. Volunteers are needed during the evening hours to provide one-on-one tutoring to adult students in basic reading, writing and math; GED readiness; and English as a Second Language.
Contact: 215-885-5180, ext. 11, or kburnham@mclinc.org
America Reads ChallengeThe fundamental purpose of the America Reads Challenge program is to enable parents and educators to complement and expand existing literacy efforts, to help many more children increase their skills and achievement levels, and to provide children who need additional help in reading with extended learning time. Volunteers are needed for homework assistance and book reading at local elementary schools.
Contact: Community Service Office 215-572-4000
Bucks Co. Historical SocietyThe Bucks County Historical Society includes Mercer Museum, Fonthill Museum and the Spruance Library. Each of these components has some responsibility in collecting, preserving, and researching objects & documents which illuminate the history & culture of Bucks County. Opportunities include implementing educational programs, maintaining and improving collection records and sewing.
Mennonite Central CommitteeMCC has more than 105 volunteers involved in education, housing, justice research and advocacy, immigration concerns, Native American concerns, health, social service, refugee assistance and administrative support work. Volunteers work to remove barriers that separate people from each other and from God in a ministry of reconciliation.
Contact: Human Resources 717-859-1151.
PALPAL provides an after-school program where children work on school assignments, as well as receive assistance with difficult subject areas. Volunteers are needed to donate a few hours per week tutoring children at a local PAL center.
Contact: Agnes Fung 215-291-9000 ext.103
Philadelphia Reads CoalitionIs the official America Reads site in PA, working to ensure that all children read well and independently by the end of third grade. It is a collaborative effort with the Philadelphia School District and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Philadelphia Reads funds the 100 Book Challenge in 570 classrooms and provides technical support to more than 250 schools and all community-based programs helping children, grades K-3 to improve their reading skills.
Contact: 215-686-4450.
Please Touch MuseumThe museum strives to provide a high quality, educational and entertaining first museum experience for children between the ages of one and seven. Volunteers work in the gallery greeting children and helping them appreciate the museum. Internships are available for specific projects.
Contact: Jane Pap 215-963-0667.
Prison Literacy ProjectThe PLP teaches residents of Graterford Prison to read or significantly raise their reading level through ongoing literacy tutoring programs. Tutoring sessions take place seven days per week from 8:3- to 11am and from 1 to 8pm. Tutors must have transportation, though car pooling is available.
Contact: 215-489-4151 ext.2336 or 2339. Leave message for Tom Kirkner or Dean Campbell.
St. Gabriel’sSt. Gabriel’s offers an after school program for children in grades 1-8 in art and homework assistance. We fulfill our purpose by providing a nurturing atmosphere in which the children can develop their academic skills, build self-esteem, explore their creative talents and add to their sense of community. Volunteers are needed to help fulfill this purpose. Internships are also available. Contact: Linda Alosi 215-329-4030. St. Gabriel’s also offers a computer literacy program through the after school program. Volunteers are needed. Basic knowledge of computers needed. Training will be provided.
Contact: Ana Echevarria 215-329-2739.
