YMCA STUDENT PROGRAMS

Interested in volunteer work or just looking to get more involved? The YMCA at Virginia Tech’s Student Programs has excellent opportunities for students to reach out and leave a lasting impact. Since 1873, the YMCA has helped Virginia Tech students to bridge the gap between campus and community. The YMCA Student Programs were founded in 1989 as a registered student organization supporting the Y’s efforts through student leadership. Our student-led programs match a variety of interests and schedules. Work with kids, connect with the elderly, or participate in alternative service breaks and special events!

STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Want to be a leader? Volunteer leaders also serve on our Council to manage volunteer recruitment, marketing, fundraising, and finance, in addition to planning community activities for current students and alumni. There are a variety of positions to match a range of interests and strengths, and it’s a great opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience and live out Virginia Tech’s motto Ut Prosim. We recruit at the beginning of every semester for these opportunities. If you’re interested, feel free to click on our position descriptions and Program Leader Application below and/or email us for details!

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Love working with kids? The Y has a variety of opportunities to work with youth in elementary, middle, or high school. Serve in the classroom, after-school, or as a lunchtime tutor in one of our four youth-serving programs. Click the link above to find out more about how you can make a difference in the lives of children through the Y!

Please note: All youth programs require an additional volunteer training session prior to placement. These are offered in conjunction with YMCA Volunteer Orientations. For the safety of our participants, we also request that volunteers complete a Child Abuse Prevention workshop within four weeks of placement. Please commit to volunteering weekly for at least a semester in order to provide consistency for the children we serve.

MARGARET BEEKS ACADEMIC MENTORING

Monday-Thursday 3:15-5:15 pm

Volunteers assist students in 2nd through -5th grades once-weekly with homework help, hands-on enrichment activities, and games. The environment is fun and fast-paced with little supervision from teachers. YMCA Program Leaders plan and facilitate all aspects of the program, and can help carpool volunteers to Margaret Beeks Elementary, which is also on the South Main St. bus route.

PRICES FORK HOMEWORK CLUB

Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:25-4:45 pm

Tutor 3rd through 5th grade students at Price’s Fork Elementary School. The group environment allows volunteers to tutor either one-on-one or with in small groups and encourages students to learn from their peers. Teachers are available during the program to assist and answer questions, and YMCA Program Leaders arrange carpool for volunteers.

IN CLASS TUTORING AT BLACKSBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL

Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Choose from one of three one-hour class periods to assist teachers in the classroom with remedial math assistance for students in 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. Work one-on-one with students who truly need your help and get a taste for professional teaching experience through working with your host teacher.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

Volunteers visit with seniors at Warm Hearth Village socializing, sharing craft activities, exchanging stories, and celebrating life. A Warm Hearth volunteer training session is required in addition to the YMCA’s volunteer orientation, in order to be prepared for the special needs of the elderly population. Senior Connections is about building relationships, so we ask volunteers to commit to volunteering weekly for at least a semester, and to attend group activities whenever possible. Your “adopted grandparent” just might become one of your closest friends!

ALTERNATIVE SERVICE BREAKS

We started our Alternative Breaks in 1986 with a work trip to Ivanhoe, VA, a remote mining community. Over the years, YMCA students have volunteered around the globe. Past locations include Pine Ridge, South Dakota; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Mandeville, Jamaica. Topics range from community development to disaster relief and environmental restoration. Trips occur during fall, winter, and spring breaks. Participation in fundraising efforts and pre- and post-trip reflection meetings is required. Follow the link above to view our current trip schedule!

YTOSS

Be a part of the Y’s premier student-led sustainability initiative, helping the Virginia Tech community keep gently-used furnishings out of the landfill and affordably into the hands of incoming students who need them. Each year, volunteer student leaders with plan and implement Ytoss Collection in May and the Ytoss Sale in August, to benefit our various programs listed above. Click Here for more information and consider joining our planning team!

Y Students