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 cornerstone program designed to support K-8 multilingual students. The after-school program focuses 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 Program Facilitator (tutor): 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. Initial and ongoing training/check-ins are required. Learn more.
Graduate + Grow
Graduate + Grow supports refugee youth aged 14-24 in attaining their high school diploma or GED, strengthening English literacy skills, and cultivating confidence with plans for college and career acceptance post-graduation.
Graduate + Grow Intern: Graduate + Grow offers an internship opportunity for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in youth and family support services. Interns will support high school students from refugee and first-generation backgrounds as they navigate academic, social, and post-secondary transitions. Learn more.
Boston Square Early Learning Center
At the Boston Square Early Learning Center (BSQ-ELC), we’re creating spaces where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Our goal is to equip children with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the world, while celebrating the rich cultural tapestry that defines our community.
BSQ-ELC Classroom Aid: BSQ-ELC Classroom Aids work closely with the BSQ-ELC Director, Associate Director, and team of teachers to provide high-quality, culturally, and linguistically responsive early childhood education for refugee- and US-born children aged 0-3. Volunteers must always be supervised by staff members, and volunteers don’t help with bathrooming or diaper changes. Initial and ongoing training/check-ins are required. Learn more.
BSQ-ELC Intern: BSQ-ELC Interns assist the BSQ-ELC administrative staff and teachers on program needs such as hands-on experience, administrative duties, and family engagement events. Initial and ongoing training/check-ins are required. Learn more.
Navigation Services
The Refugee Education Center’s Navigation Services provides wrap-around support, ensuring refugee families have access to the educational, resource, and wellness services they need to thrive in West Michigan.
Navigation Services Volunteer Driver: The Navigation Services Volunteer Driver is responsible for transportation of students and/or their parents/guardians to and from schools for parent teacher conferences or other school meetings/events, to and from other education events in the community, and possibly to medical appointments. 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.”