It’s a true comment on Atlanta that we have so many schools, organizations, companies and individuals offering up creative solutions to help students be the best they can be. With over a million students in the metro Atlanta area (oh hey Gwinnett – we see you over there with the largest student body in the state!), and 64% of those families in Atlanta Public Schools being economically disadvantaged, these solutions are huge assets to our community. These programs allow our students to thrive, and grow, and succeed – and you can be a part of their success.

Want to make a difference for the next generation of leaders, but don’t know where to start? Read on to find the perfect way for you to serve.

1. Become a tutor.

Studies have shown that talking through assignments with a tutor helps students process and retain information better – so the couple hours you spend giving one-on-one attention, goes a long way. Our partners Star-C, LaAmistad, Agape Youth & Family Center, and Divine Reach Education & Counsel all need volunteers daily across the city to work directly with students & ensure they are keeping up with what’s going on in the classroom. Want to serve virtually? Mind Bubble has you covered.

2. Show off your STEAM skills.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math have come to the forefront to teach students how to think creatively & critically, and to prepare kids for high-growth career areas. We’re seeing more and more local schools adopt STEAM curriculums or even get STEM certified, and our nonprofit partners are keeping up by offering enrichment opportunities. During the school year, you could join us for Discovery on Saturdays and introduce local students to reptiles. Host a demonstration table at the Atlanta Science Fair or become a judge with the International Science & Engineering Fair, both hosted by ScienceATL. Or, head over to Johnson STEM Activity Center – founded by Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker – to support students in their state-of-the-art robotics + E-sports arenas.

3. Go all in for the schools.

Did you know that Hands On Atlanta has the largest AmeriCorps program in the state? Yep, last year our members supported 11 schools and managed a gang of impactful programs on top of that! Spend a half or a full year as an AmeriCorps member, working inside our local schools to support students academic and social emotional learning. This is a great way to make deep, lasting impact on the trajectory of a child.

4. Elevate the programs supporting students, behind the scenes.

Magnify your impact by building the capacity of organizations supporting students, so they can offer more of what they do best. Multiple times a year, 48in48 hosts a website building weekend marathon to help organizations increase the impact of their digital presence. You can code, create content, or design sites. Applications are open for Hands On Atlanta’s Civic Leadership Program too – apply to be matched with a local nonprofit, so you can support their staff & volunteers for a 10-month term.

5. Increase access to quality higher education.

Access and admission to college can be a barrier – but it doesn’t have to be. Help students break down those barriers by using your well-earned experience and wisdom to guide them to success. Breakthrough Atlanta needs regular volunteers on Saturdays during the school year & for summer school to mentor students along their path to college. Become a mentor with College AIM, helping students with their applications. Annually, our partner The Posse Foundation needs interviewers to help select their leadership & scholarship students.

6. Get Artsy!

Paint Love is looking for resident artists bring your unique workshops + programing to kids. ARTportunity Knocks hosts an annual showcase, and uses volunteer music & drama instructors. Get your friends or coworkers out to install a mural in a local school lead by Learning in Color. Oh, and don’t forget about our local arts institutions like Woodstock Arts, who use volunteers to make their concert series a smash hit.

7. Support the whole student.

Equally as important as academics, is social emotional learning (SEL). This type of programming exists to encourage students to develop strong relationships, and build skills like responsibility and self-confidence. Role models are needed always! Help kids grow as teammates and leaders as a coach for Soccer in the Streets. Dedicate your positive and uplifting energy to supporting grieving children as a regular buddy or Good Mourning Camp counselor with Kate’s Club. Develop healthy nighttime routines, and encourage literacy, with the Pajama Program, who’s mission is to ensure kids are well-rested and energized once they arrive to the classroom. Welcome new refugee families to the states by helping to set up Co-op housing or creating welcome baskets of basic necessities and comforts with New American Pathways.

8. Transform young women into leaders.

Throughout the year but especially in the summers, we’re looking for women to support younger women by taking on the uniquely important role of informal mentorship. You’re needed to tell your story, share your lessons learned and advice, and offer up encouragement to the next generation of girls. Black Girls Smile has year-round programming, supporting SEL and mental health. Girls of Excellence works directly in schools supporting at-risk girls during the school day, and can always use leadership speakers. Annually, join the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s Teen Leadership Summit, in partnership with Communities in Schools, to offer workshops on topics like entrepreneurship and netiquette to 100 elementary and junior high school girls. Girl Talk hosts a summer camp as well, with an emphasis on leadership skills & connecting girls to meaningful role models. If academics are more your style, you could spend the summer as a counselor at STEM Camp with Girls Inc, doing experiments and demonstrations with elementary & junior high school girls – they also use volunteer year-round.

9. Support local educational attractions.

Help our major educational & cultural institutions to be able to offer quality programming for local students and families. Whether you work as a greeter, a docent, with special programming or engaging with exhibits, there is plenty to be done. You can keep the people & animal operations running smoothly at Zoo Atlanta, or hang out with the dinosaurs at Fernbank. Harness the legacy of Atlanta’s history & shape the future for our students by supporting the Center for Civil & Human Rights, or work virtually helping out the Out of Hand Theater so they can continue to offer their Creative Kids programming.

Learn how we’re mobilizing the Atlanta community to build educational equity, and find more ways to support students at https://www.handsonatlanta.org/education.