Community-Based Work Study Positions

ENGin is a global nonprofit building a future in which every young Ukrainian can confidently speak to foreigners in fluent, conversational English. Their aim is to connect Ukraine to the world in order to propel its postwar reconstruction and longer-term economic & social development.

Work Study & Volunteer Opportunities

Their program pairs Ukrainian youth with work study-eligible students for online conversation practice and cross-cultural connection. The program works with Ukrainian students ages 9-35.

Although this is a virtual opportunity the expectation is that the student will be completing their hours in person either in the Multicultural Center or the Mission lounge. Days/times are flexible; contact volunteer coordinator for more information. 

Contact

Rose Tatum
rtatum@enginprogram.org

The UNESCO Center for Global Friendship, Inc. develops free cultural programs for U.S. libraries and provides educational materials to school and community libraries in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Work Study & Volunteer Opportunities

• Fundraising Coordinator
• Public Relations
• Website Designing and Maintenance
• Translator (English/Spanish/French and Haitian Creole)
• Social Media Coordinator
• Book Bank Coordinator

Contact

Angelucci Manigat
203-981-5527
info@unescocgf.org

VN Abroad Center for Social Justice coordinates cross-cultural learning programs that support social justice efforts in the north of Costa Rica. Their group study and internship programs offer students a global perspective on important social and environmental topics.

Work Study Position: Virtual Conversation Partners

VN Abroad is looking for students to assist in conversing with Nicaraguan students. Volunteers are needed to fill blocks of time that are 30 min long. Conversations would occur on Sundays from 12:30-1 p.m. and/or Mondays from 2-2:30 p.m. to have basic conversations in English with the students. This is an integration project to provide students with the opportunity to speak English within several discussion topics. 

Contact

Carrie McCracken
info.vivanicaragua@gmail.com

The Bridgeport Public Library serves as the principal public library for the City of Bridgeport, the largest municipality in Connecticut. A city of 148,000 residents where more than 60 languages are spoken, Bridgeport is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. covering 16 square miles.

Work Study Positions

The Bridgeport Public Library is looking for an enthusiastic, work-study eligible student to volunteer to be a chess teacher to teach children ages 6-16 on a designated day once a week. The position would start in September, and continue through the winter. Volunteers will preferably be available between 3-5 p.m. on the designated day of the week for the program. Qualified volunteers will be:

• Available at least once a day during the week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays) from 3-5 p.m.
• Will have a basic understanding of the rules of chess and strategies associated with the game
• Ability to interact with and teach children ages 6-16 effectively
• Show enthusiasm and passion for teaching chess and getting others involved in the game

Contact

Andre Massa
amassa@bridgeportpubliclibrary.org

Circle of Friends is a volunteer organization that reaches out to children, teens, and young adults with special needs and involves them in a full array of inclusive, social experiences. Their innovative programming of home visits, play dates and social interactions, is designed to foster a relationship between children, teens, and young adults with special needs and college volunteers.

Although this is a virtual opportunity the expectation is that the student will be completing their hours in person either in the Multicultural Center or the Mission lounge. Days/times are flexible; contact volunteer coordinator for more information.

Work Study & Volunteer Opportunities

• Marketing/social media
• Administrative support
• Home Visit playdates
• Group Social Programming & Implementation
• Fundraising

Contact

Freida Hecht
203-293-8837
cof@circleoffriendsct.org

Covenant School of Bridgeport (CSB) graduates young men who are academically prepared for further education, inspired to lead their lives with humility and dedicated to serving others. Their mission is to develop young leaders who are intellectually competent, open to growth, loving, compassionate, and committed to serving others. They provide a high-quality, comprehensive education to boys from underserved communities, offering them a safe, rigorous academic setting and advancing their spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical growth.

Work Study Positions

In-Person Enrichment Program

The Covenant School is looking for work-study eligible students to create an enrichment program and executing/leading the program for 9 weeks. This position will become a club or passion project based on art, music, or STEM subjects to teach and mentor 5th and 6th grade boys. Volunteer and work-study positions for this role will begin in September on every Tuesday afternoon.

Virtual Tutoring

The Covenant School has partnered with WorldTutors and is looking for work-study eligible students who are interested in tutoring students from CSB in grades 5-8. This position, although a virtual opportunity, requires the work-study student to be present in the Mission Lounge (HC-109) during their scheduled tutoring sessions. All sessions will be about an hour long. 

Apply

Contact (In-Person Enrichment Program)

Matthew Fitzsimons
mfitzsimons@covenantschoolbridgeport.org

Contact (Virtual Tutoring)

The Easton Community Center is searching for dedicated and responsible individuals to work in their before and aftercare programs. Work involves the direct supervision of children at the school sites, as well as executing planned activities, cleaning, and working with a team of coworkers. The ideal candidates must have the ability to connect with various age groups K-8th grades.

Work Study Position

Available Shifts

Flexible schedules available to work around school schedules.

• Monday - Friday: 7-9 a.m.
• Monday - Friday: 3-6 p.m.

Duties

• Must be able to be dependable and reliable
• Caring for children in a school facility setting
• Observing and monitoring children's activities
• Ensuring constant safety and security of children
• Participating in planned age appropriate activities
• Completing written documentation and forms such as incident reports
• Participating in required meetings and trainings

Contact

Joel Silkoff
203-459-9700 x103
J.silkoff@eastoncc.com

Horizons at Sacred Heart University provides Bridgeport students year-round support, beginning at the end of their Kindergarten year through high school graduation and beyond.

Work Study Position

This educational program seeks talented, experienced tutors/mentors in all subject areas for Horizons students in grades Kindergarten through eighth. They help students who are struggling academically and/or social-emotionally to reach their full potential by supplementing the instruction they receive in class and guiding them toward study practices and aides that can help them excel. Tutors/mentors work with individual students one-on-one and receive training and continued support from the supervising staff at Horizons.

Tutor Responsibilities

• Meet students at a designated location and go over their homework assignments in the applicable subject area
• Ask students about specific topics or subject areas that are giving them trouble or that warrant further exploration
• Review recent homework assignments and test scores, and work through problems or questions that the student did not answer correctly
• Employ proven study aids to prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes
• Take notes during tutoring sessions so you can follow up with the student later
• Communicate with Academic Director about trouble areas or any other issue that requires attention
• Aid in the development of social-emotional skills that build character and equip students with the tools to persevere in the face of setbacks

Contact

Ashley Nechaev
nechaeva@sacredheart.edu

Kolbe Cathedral High School is a college preparatory, 9th -12th grade Catholic secondary school located in the Hollow section of Bridgeport, CT. The school is dedicated to serving a diverse, multicultural population. The small size of 325+ students and excellent teacher/student ratio means that each student gets the support they need to succeed academically, as well as in life. 

Work Study Positions

The high school is seeking a group of tutors to provide both remedial and enrichment tutoring for students on a weekly basis.  Please consider this opportunity if you have a desire to share your knowledge and experience with a wonderful group of committed, college-bound urban students!

Contact

David Hill
dhill@kolbecaths.org

Geraldine Johnson School is a technology-based learning community where students are academically, socially, and ethically responsible. They provide quality education in a safe and welcoming environment where all students are challenged to reach their full potential.

Work Study Positions

A one-to-two ratio of tutoring and mentoring with the purpose of helping youth achieve academic success and develop positive character traits. This will include students in 4th-6th grades. Mentors will help students with their academic assignments while also engaging in other recreational and enrichment activities. The mentoring program will be on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3-4:30 p.m. Transportation is provided.

Contact

Tiyaira Gilchrist
gilchristt19@mail.sacredheart.edu

The mission of Urban Impact is to offer youth from the Bridgeport PT Barnum public housing complex educational opportunities through ‘in-school’ & ‘after-school’ activities. These include one-on-one and small group tutoring and mentoring with the purpose of helping youth achieve academic success, develop positive character traits, and lead a fulfilling life.

Work Study Position

XLR8 Tutoring program on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for students in first through sixth grade. Volunteers will help students with their homework, reading and assignments and engage in fun recreational activities. Located at Geraldine Claytor Magnet Academy School, 240 Ocean Terrace, Bridgeport, CT

Contact

Tanja Jensen
203-809-3991

The mission of Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is to guide and inspire young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible people. 

Part time volunteers in these positions are responsible for assisting in organization, and implementation of After School Care for elementary or middle school aged youth in accordance with safety standards set forth by Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, typically between 3-6 p.m. weekdays.

Work Study Position

• Assist staff with Supervising assigned spaces in accordance with Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s safety protocols
• Participate in the selection of age-appropriate games
• Conduct low and high energy games for youth
• Referee/score keep games or friendly competitions
• Promote positive friendships, learning, fun and exploration of STEM, arts and physical activities
• Participate in the mentoring programs and support youth in the program

Global Responsibilities & Expectations

Oversee the implementation of Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Safety Guidelines and best practice protocols. Manage a small group of mentees (youth) in a mentoring set up with staff. Ensure a clean, healthy, safe, positive environment is created and maintained producing a sense of physical and emotional safety. Assume other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Communication skills, both verbal and written
• Awareness and understanding of Microsoft and Google programs, including Google Classroom
• Maintain a positive demeanor
• Ability to pass a background check
• Organized, reliable, hard-working, strong moral values
• Ability to work in an environment with youth

Contact

Coreen Ahmad
203-259-4805
coreen@wakemanclub.org

Green Village Initiative is a non-profit in Bridgeport, Connecticut whose mission is to grow food, knowledge, leadership and community, through urban gardening and farming, to create a more just food system in Bridgeport.

Work Study Positions

Research, data entry, collaborative brainstorms

Qualifications

• 1 year previous experience
• Full COVID vaccination preferred. Eagerness to comply with all GVI, state and federal
• COVID workplace policies and procedures is mandatory
• A passion and understanding  for community building, agriculture, antiracism and food justice
• Work or life experience in a relevant field, such as communications, administration, food systems, community-based programming
• English and conversational Spanish is a great additional skill - tell us about any fluency you have in other languages! 

Licenses/Certifications

• Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

Physical Demands

• Bending
• Lifting up to 50 pounds
• Driving to pick up or drop off materials

Contact

Dune Bryant
203-612-4107
info@gogvi.org

Real Food CT is a non-profit organization that has started a brand new local food system for hunger relief.  In the last five years, they have donated over 100K lbs of locally grown produce to hunger relief organizations across northern Fairfield County. They run two Community Farms in Newtown, train Young Farmer Interns, and collect surplus produce from other local farms. Their goal in the upcoming year is to assist other communities in building successful community farms and internship programs.

Work Study Positions

They are looking for a team of passionate and interested students to assist in a variety of tasks:

• Volunteer with garden tasks at our Newtown Farms (planting, harvesting, maintenance, farm projects...)
• Contribute to our social media marketing and networking
• Lead a community farm analysis project to highlight the benefits and impacts that small farms have on job training, skill development, opportunities for agricultural employment, local food systems and the dynamics of hunger relief

Contact

Sean Fitzpatrick
917-575-6811
sean@realfoodct.org

The Site Leader will play a pivotal role in facilitating and coordinating volunteers at selected sites, ensuring effective engagement and seamless operations. The primary responsibilities of this position include managing volunteers, providing them with essential information about the designated sites, and ensuring their timely attendance. The Site Leader will act as a liaison for their assigned site, addressing unforeseen cancellations and maintaining a smooth flow of activities. This role comes with a higher-than-normal pay rate and offers an excellent opportunity to enhance one's resume.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate with volunteers at designated sites
• Provide volunteers with comprehensive knowledge and insights about the specific site's mission, objectives and activities
• Coordinate with drivers to ensure volunteers arrive at the site punctually
• Maintain weekly mandatory attendance for all volunteers
• Serve as the main point of contact for the selected site in the event of last-minute cancellations or changes
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for volunteers and participants
• Collaborate with the team to enhance the volunteer experience and site impact
• Uphold the organization's values and standards throughout all interactions

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a work-study eligible program
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to lead and manage a diverse group of volunteers effectively
• Reliable and punctual with exceptional time management abilities
• Empathetic and approachable demeanor
• Experience in mentoring, volunteering or leadership roles is a plus
• Passion for community engagement and making a positive impact

Sites Include

• Caroline House: Volunteering with preschool children
• Covenant School: Enrichment after-school program with middle school students
• John Winthrop: Volunteering with middle school and elementary students
• Hall House: High school mentoring program
• Nourish: Volunteering at a food bank
• Spring Meadows: Volunteering with senior citizens, fostering intergenerational connections

This position is open to work-study eligible students and is separate from the PSG (Pioneer Service Grant) requirements.

Contact

Erin Rederscheid
rederscheide@sacredheart.edu

The mission of Conversations to Remember is to connect high school and college students with senior citizens to combat the epidemic of loneliness. Putting a smile on the faces of seniors, including those experiencing cognitive decline, creates a bridge between seniors and youth.

Work Study Positions

Virtual Visit Coordinator

Conversations to Remember is dedicated to combating loneliness by arranging for virtual video visits between college students and senior citizens. They match each senior with 2-3 students for weekly virtual visits. They are looking for students to assist in reminding senior communities of their upcoming calls and to confirm that virtual visit participants are present on the calls. They need volunteers to fill blocks of time that are a minimum of 2 hours long. Students can volunteer for multiple blocks per week. They will provide all training necessary.

Although this is a virtual opportunity the expectation is that the student will be completing their hours in person either in the Multicultural Center or the Mission lounge.

Virtual Call Support Manager

Manager will be responsible for ensuring the successful start of each visit, and addressing mid-visit issues. The manager will reach out to the senior’s caregiver ten minutes before each call to remind them of its approach, and will then confirm that all the expected volunteers are on the video call. If they are not present, the manager will reach out to them. In some cases, the virtual visit call support manager may be called upon to fill in for a missing volunteer during their shift. This manager will also be responsible for troubleshooting minor technical difficulties and escalating other issues to the executive director. Training will be provided for this position.

2-4 hours per week commitment at the same day(s) and time(s) each week. Applicants will be provided with the call schedule to choose from available slots.

Contact

Eve Lefkowitz
Executive Director
eve@conversationstoremember.org

Homes for the Brave (HFTB) is a not-for-profit with a mission of providing housing and services to Veterans experiencing homelessness. By operating one permanent and four transitional supportive housing programs in Bridgeport and West Haven, Connecticut, HFTB aims to help individuals return to productive and meaningful lives. HFTB staff work with clients to create personalized goals to help them achieve stable income and housing and increase their self-determination.

Communications Assistant

The Communications Assistant will support the Communications Office in all efforts to educate the public about the programs at Homes for the Brave through correspondence, social media outlets, the organization’s website, presentations, and printed materials. Homes for the Brave exists to serve Veterans. They are innovative in determining and addressing their needs. They stand beside them, delivering housing, mental health, and employment services to prepare them to live independently.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide support to committees as needed for special events (e.g., coordination, preparing marketing materials, etc.)
• Assist with public relations and marketing efforts, including photography, videography, newsletter, website and social media content/strategy
• Assist with recording constituents in donor database (Network For Good) and with mailings to supporters
• Support administrative operations and volunteer coordination, including updating data/files and other tasks as required

Special Skills

Strong organizational and time management skills; Ability to work primarily independently; Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite/G Suite; Experience with web and/or graphic design a plus; Solid writing, oral communication and professional skills; Flexible in work hours.

The ideal candidate will have experience generating and managing web content with a graphic design background. However, Homes for the Brave has a preference for people who are willing to learn and have a proven track-record of working independently.

Contact

Mary Elizabeth Allbert
203-338-0669
meallbert@homesforthebrave.org

The SHU Discovery Science Center & Planetarium is a place for all to explore, play and learn through interactive and hands-on displays, permanent and traveling exhibits, daily full-dome planetarium shows, and the Challenger Learning Center.

Facilities Assistant Work Study

A Facilities Assistant carries out tasks designed to improve the visitor experience by assisting with the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, grounds and exhibits. As a public facility catering to children and families, it is of paramount importance for our team to keep our spaces and facilities clean, bright, friendly and safe. All members of our facilities team support this important daily effort.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct regular inspections of the assigned areas to assure it is clean and welcoming
• Complete daily checklists and clean and maintain a variety of routine spaces and equipment
• Report non-Routine facilities maintenance issues to the department Director
• Report non-routine exhibit maintenance issues to the department Director
• Perform routine cleaning tasks
• Assist the staff with special event set-up and clean-up
• Assist with other public offerings as directed by the Director of Guest Services

Qualifications

• A self-starter
• Willing and able to perform a variety of physical tasks, some which include heavy lifting
• Pleasant and friendly with customers and co-workers
• Willing to work as part of a team
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds
• Must be comfortable standing for long periods of time
• Proficient with spoken and written English

Marketing Intern

The Marketing Intern would be working directly with our Directors and admin staff. The Marketing Intern will assist in all facets of the Museum’s marketing process, utilizing social media, direct mail, digital marketing, press releases & email, to advertise and market our Public Programming, STEM Learning Programs, Special and Public Events and Fundraisers and new exhibits.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a social media post/release calendar
• Tracking Social Media analytics
• Blog posts and scheduled updates
• Website updates
• Work with Marketing Department on material distribution and press releases
• Work with the Guest Services Team on tasks and special projects on an as-needed basis

Work Study-Guest Services

Work Study Students will be utilized as Docents and as assistants to our Director of Operations and Administration. As Docents they will become familiar with the many exhibits in the science center and then be able to help visitors with mindful and fun interactions with our STEAM exhibits. They would also familiarize themselves with the Art work we are currently showing so they can speak about it to visitors as they wander thru our galleries. Assist in preparations and running of Birthday Parties and Rentals. Assist in ongoing Discovery Projects as needed.

Major Tasks & Responsibilities

• Docent in galleries to help visitors best interact with the STEAM exhibits we have
• Make sure visitors are not being too rough with exhibits or going against Discovery rules
• Birthday Party Prep of crafts and decorations
• Assist Director in projects as needed
• Model good behavior for all our younger visitors
• Other STEM Learning Programs tasks as assigned

Accounting Assistant

The Accounting Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support for fundraising activities, possibly including support with mailings, data entry, event planning and logistics, community outreach, and donor and member-focused communications. The ideal candidate will have strong administrative skills, great attention to detail, and a pleasant, positive rapport. This position will supports the achievement of Discovery fundraising goals and will have first-hand exposure to and opportunities to learn about a wide variety of nonprofit development functions including external and internal communications, fundraising events, and relationship management. A great opportunity for business students, especially accounting and finance majors. Job duties will be contingent on experience and abilities of individual.

Qualifications

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent communication verbal and writing skills, editing skills
• Extremely tactful and diplomatic in dealing with diverse people, confidential information, and sensitive matters
• Outgoing personality with enthusiasm for Discovery Museum’s mission and comfort working both independently and collaboratively
• Accounting/Finance experience preferred

STEM Learning Programs Work Study

The STEM Learning Programs (SLP) Work Study provides interactive educational experiences to The Discovery Science Center’s guests. The SLP Work Study delivers programming onsite in the classrooms, exhibition galleries, planetarium and auditorium. They also assist in the preparation and cleanup of programs.

Major Tasks & Responsibilities

• Present smaller-scale workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences to guests in the exhibition galleries
• Present public science demonstrations in the science theater and run public planetarium shows as needed
• Deliver programming in the classroom
• Perform the tasks involved with the set-up and breakdown of programs and assist in the associated administrative tasks and lesson material preparation
• Ensure that all programs are performed in a manner that is consistent with the Discovery’s approach to STEM teaching and learning
• Support Discovery private and community events through running hands-on learning kiosks, presenting science demonstrations, and assisting with make-and-takes
• Keeping classroom spaces clean and organized
• Other STEM Learning Programs tasks as assigned

General Physical Requirements

• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force to lift or move objects pertaining to STEM Learning Programs, such as classroom prep and cleanup
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time

Contact

Tana Barnes
203-416-3523
tbarnes@shudiscovery.org

The Walter E. Luckett Foundation’s mission is to develop and administer a holistic approach to education and youth development through structured opportunities. Locations in Bridgeport, Greater New Haven, Stamford, Stratford, Waterbury.

Finance & Operations Program Coordinator

Terms

• October 17, 2022 – December 17, 2022
• January 8, 2023 – April 22, 2023

Hours Per Week

8-10 hours

Recommended Background

Accounting

Financial Responsibilities

• Develop QuickBooks program for WEL Foundation
• Manage weekly/monthly payroll, income, and expenses for WEL Foundation
• Collect W-9s for WEL Foundation partners/staff as appropriate
• Collect program expense receipts weekly and record in spreadsheet
• Complete 1099s for WEL Foundation for electronic filing to the IRS and mailing to applicable individuals in January 2023
• Prepare 990 EZ for WEL Foundation by April 22, 2023

Operational Responsibilities

• Attend weekly WEL Foundation partners’ programs as appropriate (e.g. Books to Basketball)
• Develop program application for WEL Foundation partners
• Administer program applications and create summary file of WEL Foundation partners and participants
• Develop attendance sheets for WEL Foundation partners’ participants
• Administer weekly attendance sheets and create/record in spreadsheet
• Summarize total number of participants and average number of participants per week
• Develop attendance sheet for WEL Foundation partners’ staff and volunteers
• Administer weekly attendance and create/record in spreadsheet
• Develop electronic time sheet for WEL Foundation partners
• Disseminate and record weekly time sheets for WEL Foundation partners
• Develop, disseminate and summarize electronic surveys for WEL Foundation partners’ major programs and presenters weekly
• Summarize and document weekly programming, including photos, attendance and survey results

Contact

Walter E. Luckett Jr.
203-430-0898
vluckett@snet.org