Interested in becoming a Future 5 coach, tutor or volunteer?
Please contact Jenny Fuchs for information or apply here.
We couldn’t do the work we do without our army of 100+ volunteers. As our student membership grows, we need even more volunteers and invite you to join us as we change the lives of high school students in Stamford. Connect with Future 5 as a volunteer and you may find it changes your life as well!
Coaching and Volunteer Opportunities
Here to There Coach
Here to There is our entry and required membership workshop. Focused on self-discovery, students first learn to connect with themselves through small group discussions facilitated by Future 5 staff and Here to There coaches. The goal of the workshop is for students to examine their strengths and identify their short- and long-term goals as well as identify the obstacles (“gremlins”) that may trip them up on their path to achieving their goals. As a Here to There coach, you will help facilitate discussion based on weekly themes including Perseverance, Commitment, Asking for Help, and Success. At the conclusion of the Here to There workshop, each student becomes a full member of Future 5 and writes a Game Plan for Life with the help of staff and coaches. This Game Plan documents the student’s gremlins, strategies, and short- and long-term goals on his/her path from Here to There. If you enjoy guiding and connecting with youth, please consider becoming a Here to There coach!
Time Commitment: 1 hour per week for 6 weeks plus a 7th week for graduation. Here to There runs 2-3 times per academic year.
College Prep Coach
The high school team works with our students from the moment they walk through the door. Students are eligible to join Future 5 from their Freshman Year through their Senior Year. With each grade comes different responsibilities and, in particular, when they reach their Junior Year it is time to start actively preparing for their next steps after High School. This is where the College Prep Coach comes in! Coaches are matched one-on-one with a student Spring of their Junior Year in order start the college planning process. The College Prep program ensures that college-bound Future 5 students receive the preparation needed to transition successfully from high school to college. This program offers a full array of college help including guidance on navigating college and financial aid applications, college visits and detailed advice on college selection. Coaches guide their students through the entire process with the support of the College Prep Team. An introductory workshop will be held for all new coaches and then they are expected to meet with their student 1-2 times a week to ensure that students are proactively thinking about and planning for their future.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week: 1 hour workshop; 1 hour independent meeting. Spring of Junior Year – June of Senior Year.
Academics Coach
TUTOR / SUBJECT SPECIFIC COACH
Future 5 offers academic tutoring in every high school subject, (all levels of math; algebra through calculus, statistics, science and foreign languages) In addition to helping students understand class material, coaches work with students to improve study skills by focusing on strategies that connect prior knowledge.
Time Commitment: Flexible. September through June
ACADEMIC CHECK-IN COACHES
Future 5 checks in with students on a regular basis who are at risk of failing a subject, Coaches are needed to schedule, meet with and document academic check-in meetings that will focus on goalsetting and providing encouragement and direction to these students.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week. September through June
HOMEWORK HELPERS
Future 5 students are encouraged to come to Homework Help hours daily from 3-5pm. Volunteers are needed to check students in so that they get credit for being there and eligible to receive incentives/prizes for regular attendance.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week. September through June
Career Development Coach
NEXT TRACK COACH
One on one coaching for non-college bound students. Help students explore alternative pathways such as trade, military or certificate programs and follow through to a positive outcome.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week. September through June
JOB PREP “NEXT LEVEL” COACH
Next Level is a workshop designed to help students master the soft skills needed to excel in the workplace. Through discussions and real-time application of strategies learned, students gain the confidence and skill set necessary to network, secure a job, and sustain employment. The role of a Next Level Coach is to facilitate small group discussions based on the weekly skill set topic. Topics covered include work ethics, public speaking, interpersonal skills, resume writing, social media presence, team work, interviews and follow-up. Students emerge from the workshop with increased self-confidence, a resume and an elevator pitch, and the tools necessary to find a summer or part time job and/or internship.
Time Commitment: 1.5 hours per week for 6 weeks. January through March (and other opportunities year round)
CAREER COACH
The primary purpose of this role is to help college juniors and seniors with internships and launching their professional careers. The work is one on one with a student and can be done virtually at a time that works for you and your student.
Community Service Coach
Future 5 has created a community service student group called Helping Hands that provides opportunities for students to volunteer at various community organizations. Coaches are needed to help organize, transport, supervise and work side-by-side with students as they provide service to community organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, Fairgate Farm, Person-to-Person, Mill River Park, and more. There are also “one-time” events in which volunteers can participate in.
Time Commitment: Varies from a weekly commitment (1.5 hours per week) to volunteering per event as one is available to.
