Our volunteers make positive and impactful differences throughout Santa Fe Public Schools, generously donating skills, life experience, and time. These contributions are invaluable, and connections made with our volunteers can transform students’ lives.
Opportunities range from tutoring elementary school students in recognizing letters and reading comprehension, to tutoring high school students in math and science.
It Takes a Villiage
“Volunteer support adds a lot of hope to our educational goals for many of our students. With your help, we are doing our best to steer our students towards academic and personal success!“
Sinte Torrez, Capital High School Site Coordinator
Volunteer Positions
Tutoring Positions
Volunteer tutors are matched with students who are struggling in a particular subject, primarily English or math. Tutors and their students meet at least one hour per week; thereby improving knowledge, skills and strengthening self-efficacy and confidence.
Foodie Program
Communities In Schools partners with The Food Depot to distribute more than 93,000 meals annually to our families. Our Foodie volunteers help with sorting, packing, and distributing groceries, as well as stocking Site Coordinators’ food pantries. Foodie shifts are usually once a week for two hours.
Special Projects
Occasionally CIS also needs help with special projects, ranging from helping Site Coordinators to administrative or event support. Volunteers are notified of these opportunities as they arise. Shift lengths vary, depending on the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a volunteer?
1. Click here for the CIS volunteer application, complete it and hit SUBMIT. Your application will go directly to Kate, our Volunteer Program Manager.
2. Complete the Santa Fe Public Schools volunteer application and indicate that you would like to volunteer with CIS. SFPS also requires that you complete a set of volunteer training modules.
3. Get fingerprinted and clear a background check, as mandated by Santa Fe Public Schools.
4. Attend a CIS Volunteer Orientation and be placed in a local school!
What if I need to miss a week or more?
When life happens and you need to be away for vacation, illness or other events we ask that you communicate directly with your Site Coordinator and the Volunteer Program Manager.
What if I’ve never tutored before?
Our tutors come from a variety of professional backgrounds, such as: retired teachers, bankers, administrators, as well as college and high school students. We connect volunteers to content-specific training throughout the school year. In addition, new volunteers are encouraged to shadow more experienced tutors.
Will I have support from CIS staff?
Yes! Volunteers have support on campus from their Site Coordinator and also from Kate, the Volunteer Program Manager. We provide orientation and share training opportunities regularly to ensure you feel supported and successful in your placement. Your time is valuable to us, so we make every effort to support you.
Still have questions?
Contact our Volunteer Program Manager, Kate Mitchell at kmitchell@cisnm.org or (505) 954-1880. She’s happy to answer any additional questions you have!
