Volunteer
“One of the greatest gifts adults can give - to their offspring and to their society - is to read to children.”
Volunteer Opportunities
Year-round, long-term: We are in need of volunteers to tutor kids in reading through a virtual platform. This need is year-round, and the commitment is twice a week for 40 minutes for at least an 8 or 16-week session (8 weeks in summer, 16 weeks in fall & spring).
One-time service projects: If you are looking for a group, corporate, or one-time volunteer/service activity, please contact us. We occasionally have a need for volunteers for one-time service projects.
“This program has been so amazing to volunteer with! I have had so much fun with the student and I am so proud of her growth while I have worked with her. This program is great for anybody, mentors and mentees alike. Thank you again for this opportunity, I definitely want to return. I think this program is a great asset for kids who are struggling in reading.”
“Absolutely adore working with all of these kids and the other volunteers. It’s so much fun bringing these kids into the thought process that reading is fun. Amazing. So happy I found this program. LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PROGRAM!!!”
“The program is very valuable. I’ve mentored 2 students so far and both improved tremendously. The student has been able to sound out words and have more confidence. I felt I’ve helped make a difference in a child’s future.”
Interested in becoming a virtual reading tutor?
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Volunteer tutors connect with students on a Zoom meeting. Azura Literacy staff host the meetings, and multiple tutors and students join the same meeting. Then, each tutor/student pair will be assigned to a breakout room to work one-on-one. Tutors then use digital books and interactive tools shared through their Zoom screen to guide students' independent reading and read aloud to them. Tutors are trained in best methods to support phonics skills, vocabulary, and comprehension based on needs determined by students' pre-assessments.
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at least 18 years old
have access to a computer and reliable high-speed internet connection
proficient in the following computer skills: using internet browsers & websites – switching between multiple open tabs; Zoom meetings & screen sharing
pass a literacy screener
Level 1 fingerprint clearance (if you do not have a current valid card, we can cover the cost of the DPS application)
interview with the program director, including demonstrating competency using Zoom screen sharing and navigating multiple tabs in a web browser
complete the self-paced virtual program training (6-8 hours total) & self-paced ASU virtual nanocourse trainings (2-3 hours total)
attend a live Zoom meeting for new tutors (1-2 hours)
commitment to at least 1.5 hours per week (two separate 40-minute sessions) for at least a 16 week semester (or 8 weeks in summer) but preferably for 1 year
ability to be reliable and punctual
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At least 1.5 hours total per week (split between two days) for at least one semester (16 weeks in Fall or Spring, 8 weeks in Summer)
Tutors must be able to be punctual and reliable in attendance for their selected tutoring schedule for the whole semester.
Reading sessions are on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays every 40 minutes between 3:30pm-6:50pm MST (Arizona time).
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Apply: Fill out the tutor application, which includes the literacy screener.
Interview: Attend an interview with Azura Literacy staff.
If you are a good fit for the program, you will be contacted within 1 week of your interview date with instructions for next steps.
Background Check (for volunteers who do not already have a valid fingerprint clearance card): Submit the background check/fingerprint clearance form and get fingerprints scanned (if applicable).
Training: Complete self-paced virtual program training (6-8 hrs total), self-paced ASU e-nanocourse training (2-3 hrs total), and live new tutor prep meeting on Zoom (1-2 hrs total).
Begin tutoring!