This unique volunteer opportunity provides high-impact 1:1 in-home tutoring for middle school and high school aged refugee students helping them reach their potential in Union & Essex Counties.

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IRC New Jersey's Empower Afterschool Tutoring and how NJ volunteer tutor inspires youth confidence one tutor session at a time

SERVICE TERM   

Fall Cohort: September 2025 - January 2026

Sign up to attend an info session this summer offered in-person 2 times per month May - July. 

Don't miss your chance to have a positive impact in the life of a newcomer youth. The latest date applications will be considered is Friday, August 22. Earlier applications preferred!

DURATION       

24 Sessions, 90 Minutes Twice a Week

SCOPE OF WORK

The IRC in New Jersey seeks volunteer tutors to support English language learners among newcomer refugee youth who have been settled in New Jersey. Beginning with in-person? training sessions the first week of October volunteer tutors will work with refugee youth individually within the home to improve English Language Acquisition/Learning. Tutors are academic coaches and positive role models who want to help IRC youth succeed in school. Tutors are not people who are expected to receive, give, or loan money.

DESIRED QUALITIES

  • Passionate about helping youth reach their potential
  • Flexible, patient, and empathetic
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Committed, dependable, and punctual
  • Creative; has a sense of fun
  • An active listener
  • Technologically competent (Ability to use Google forms, virtual educational materials effectively, and google translate)
  • Respectful in a global context around different languages and practices
  • Comfortable and aware of youth support needs

TUTOR REQUIREMENTS

  • Attend 1 in-person orientation and training session at the IRC Elizabeth office (2 hours)
  • Attend 3 online training modules with IRC HQ (4+ hours)
  • Complete and clear a background check
  • Have reliable/punctual transportation to and from the assigned student’s home twice a week
  • Interact with global populations effectively and respectfully 

TUTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide one-on-one individualized in-home tutoring
  • Work with assigned student for 90 minutes twice a week for a total of 24 sessions. Tutors will engage their assigned student in 30 minutes of ESL homework support/assistance as well as 30 minutes of ESL instruction (speaking, writing, and/or reading activities), with the remaining time allocated for breaks, rapport building and communication/coordination with caregivers
  • Curation of a welcoming environment that fosters community and learning among students
  • Communicate regularly with the Youth Programs Coordinator, Instructional Design Specialist and caregivers regarding scheduling, student progress, tutor support, challenges, etc.
  • Timely documentation and submission of the Tutor Log within 24 hours of the tutor session
  • Attend individual and group Tutor Support Check-ins
  • Comply with office policies and program procedures 

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

  • Proven ability to build community within individualized sessions and cultivate students commitment to academic learning
  • Thorough, detailed knowledge and understanding of English grammar with the ability to modify lesson plans to reflect student’s needs and interests (age, grade level, etc.) as well as the a
  • Ability to teach and support the student’s language development in writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills
  • Ability to interact with global populations and empathize with people unfamiliar with local culture
  • Ethical and professional conduct that facilitates the building of a respectful, trusting, and collaborative relationship with caregivers
  • Multilingual abilities in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, or Pashto

APPLY TODAY! 

Don't miss your chance to have a positive impact in the life of a newcomer youth this September - January. Ensure your spot in our tutor community for the Fall cohort. The latest date applications will be considered is Friday, August 22. Earlier applications preferred!