Volunteer with the Refugee Education Center
Dedicating your valuable resource of time will create a more welcoming West Michigan and positively impact the lives of local refugee students.
“These children straddle multiple cultures and identities. With that, they bring so much beauty and excitement into this program. My role as a volunteer is to follow the Refugee Education Center programming designed to give these children a strong foundation to succeed as they grow in the United States.”
Join us in supporting our new American neighbors on their journeys to become fully participating community members and by being friends in this time of change!
Please review our current volunteer positions below and complete the form at the bottom of the page to indicate your interest.
To volunteer, you must be at least 13 or 14 years old (high school-age or entering high school) and be able to pass a background check.
Volunteer Positions
Project Faulu
Project Faulu is our K-8 program designed specifically for children with a refugee background, focusing on language and culture, creativity and inquiry, academic engagement, and positive social skills. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to learn in a community of peers and volunteers.
Project Faulu After-School Program Facilitator: Project Faulu Facilitators are responsible for welcoming students in the afterschool program, facilitating games, snack time & discussions, thematic activities designed by program staff, and reading to and with students. Learn more.
Project Faulu After-School Program Intern: Project Faulu Interns work closely with the K-12 Programs staff and team of other volunteers to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for students with a refugee background. Tasks include assisting the K-12 Programs staff on program needs such as collecting volunteer reports and student records from schools, conducting analysis of various program feedback and assessments, while assisting in the day-to-day responsibilities. Learn more.
Project Faulu After-School Program Driver: The Project Faulu Driver is responsible for transportation of students to and from home. Learn more.
Graduate + Grow
Graduate + Grow equips refugee and immigrant high school-aged students with individualized graduation planning, mentorship, and transition support to ensure they graduate with confidence and pursue post-secondary education, trades, or careers.
Graduate + Grow Mentor: The Graduate + Grow Mentorship Program is designed to help high school juniors and seniors with refugee or first-generation backgrounds build confidence, connection, and community as they prepare for life after graduation. Students are paired with first-generation college student mentors who understand their experiences and can walk alongside them during this transition. Learn more.
Once we receive your information, a Refugee Education Center team member will contact you regarding next steps.
If you have questions, please email anna@refugeeeducationcenter.org.
“When I first started as a volunteer, it didn’t take long for me to realize that this was going to be a mutually beneficial relationship. Right away, I was learning and growing along with the students I encountered. They had so much to teach me about themselves and their experience, as well as about myself and my community.”