NAC Tutoring Program Volunteer

The children referred to NAC are medically complex and their birth families have devastating social problems. Their circumstances include poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, immigration and language barriers, parental illness, mental health problems and illiteracy. NAC's children may use wheelchairs or be dependent on medical technology in order to live. They may have HIV/AIDS, cancer, cerebral palsy, respiratory or cardiac problems or spina bifida, among other diagnoses. Growing numbers have asthma, diabetes and diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Some of the children have spent years growing up in the hospital, others have had more surgeries than birthdays, experienced fragmented health services, prolonged hospital visits, and/or medical and educational neglect.

Despite these challenges, NAC has outstanding outcomes and is one of the highest evaluated programs by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) among all NYC child welfare agencies (including those serving non-medically fragile children). To see our most recent impact numbers, please follow the link to our website https //nackidscan.org/our-impact/

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Start Date Fall 2025

Time Period Flexible

Schedule To Be Determined

New Alternatives for Children (NAC) is seeking dedicated volunteers to support our Education Department by tutoring children ages 6–18 during the academic school year. Many of our students are behind in school and receive Special Education or English Language Learner (ELL) services. Due to limited financial resources, our families cannot afford private tutoring, and local schools are often unable to provide the additional academic support these students need.

Tutoring sessions are one-on-one and typically take place weekly. Based on the child’s age and individual needs, sessions may focus on homework and project completion, reading support, or strengthening foundational academic skills. Volunteers are provided with materials to assist with remedial learning and to create engaging, productive sessions. Many of our students have experienced educational disruptions and benefit significantly from help with study habits, test preparation, essay writing, and learning to advocate for themselves in school settings.

• *We are currently receiving a high volume of requests from middle and high school students in need of Algebra support. If you're available for in-person tutoring at NAC, we’d love to hear from you! Some remote tutoring opportunities are also available, though in-person support is preferred.**
  
  

Tutors play a vital role in inspiring our students, building their academic confidence, strengthening their study habits, and helping them rise to academic challenges.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must commit to a minimum of 4 months during the academic school year
• Must be available for weekly one-on-one sessions (1–2 hours/week)
• Must complete a background check
• Must participate in an orientation and training session provided by NAC
• Should have strong communication skills and patience working with children and teens
• Prior tutoring, teaching, or mentoring experience is a plus, but not required
• For in-person tutors Must be able to travel to NAC’s office at 825 7th Avenue
• For remote tutors Must have reliable internet access and a quiet, distraction-free environment