We rely on community members to serve as volunteer tutors. Teaching experience is not required; in fact, most of our volunteer tutors are in various careers and have little or no teaching background, but are dedicated to enhancing the academic skills of young people.

All interested volunteers go through an initial tutor training session. Workshops on phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension are offered on a regular basis. The Director and teachers provide ongoing support, guidance, and materials.

This is an important opportunity to support low-income students who cannot afford to hire a professional tutor, yet want desperately to succeed in school. It is a chance to share a love of reading with one young person and provide a positive, caring influence on that student.

We currently have over 100 dedicated volunteers serving as Reading tutors and Writing tutors. Volunteers tutor the same student one hour per week for the academic school year (September-June). When vacation or illness occurs, substitute tutors fill in.

The following are volunteer opportunities available at the Institute.

SUMMER GAME CAMP VOLUNTEERS: Interested in helping out with our 2009 Summer Game Camp? We'll be here 3:30-5:30, Mon-Thurs for students age six through twelve years. If you're willing to help out to supervise, play board or computer games with the children we'd love to have you. Please contact Amy Conlin Rolfes at 734-995-6816.

READING TUTORS: Each Reading Tutor spends one hour per week (Monday-Thursday) at either 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6p.m. or 7 p.m. with his or her student in a private setting.

WRITING TUTORS: Writing Tutors spend either 1 or 2 hours a week working with small groups of students and/or an individual student helping them to learn organizational skills, use of new vocabulary and how to elaborate with description and details.

MATH TUTORS: Each Math Tutor spends 1 1/2 hours per week on Monday working in small groups and individually with students. Basic math fundamentals are taught and practiced.

SUBSTITUTE TUTORS: There is a weekly need for substitute Reading and Writing Tutors. Training is provided. Substitutes determine days and times that they are available.

OFFICE ASSISTANTS: Community adults and high school seniors may apply to serve as Office Assistants. This may include answering phones, filing, copying and library management.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Amy at 734-995-6816 or click on the link below to download the FLI Volunteer Application. Please mail or fax us the completed form to FLI's office at 1954-C South Industrial Highway, Ann Arbor MI 48104 (fax number is 734-995-6861).

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