There are so many service opportunities available for BYU students interested in education through the Y-Serve organization. Each of these are easy to sign up for and provide great experiences to work with kids of all ages.
Here are just a few of the opportunities with a small description.
Early Childhood Education:
Early Learning Essentials volunteers promote school readiness by assisting pre-school aged children of low-income families to enhance their social and cognitive development. Volunteers typically assist in the classroom by reading to the children and playing games with them or they can make a video of themselves and/or others reading children's books for the pre-schoolers. Volunteers are encouraged to come weekly.
Elementary Education:
TOPS (Tutor Outreach in Provo Schools) provides classroom aides for elementary and middle schools in the Provo School District. There are multiple subjects to choose from, including reading, math, and robotics. Volunteers commit to serve during the same hour each week.
Special Education:
Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to better the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Buddy pairs of college students and adults from the community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities are matched together to create meaningful one-on-one friendships and are involved in campus and community life! Volunteers will have weekly contact with their buddies. It is encouraged to commit to at least one semester.
Adaptive Aquatics and Gym Kids provides opportunities for volunteers to participate in gym and pool activities at BYU with children who have special needs to help them develop their cognitive, motor, and social skills. This program also helps these students improve their autonomy by involving them in creative and enjoyable activities during their time on campus. Volunteers commit to 1-2 hours a week.
Physical Education:
Cougar Coaches provides opportunities for student coaches to run practices and games for a sport of their choosing for local youth athletic organizations. Cougar Coaches is an exciting and rewarding way to stay involved in the sport you love while providing much needed service in the community. Assistant coaches are strongly encouraged, so grab a friend and help make a difference in the lives of these kids! Student coaches run practices and games for a sport of their choice, and usually are only required to serve for 2-3 hours a week during a short 4-8 week season.
There are so many more opportunities available. Check out https://yserve.byu.edu to find more! As always, click here to schedule a meeting with a student ambassador.