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Volunteer Opportunities
On-line Volunteer Application (For current Columbia affiliates only)
On-Line Volunteer Evaluation Form (For current DDC volunteer tutors)
Volunteer Application (printer-friendly pdf) (For Non-Columbia prospective volunteers)

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Since its inception, the DDC Volunteer Program has relied on volunteers to serve as tutors, teachers and role models for the young people with whom we work. The enthusiasm and commitment of our volunteers is integral to fulfilling our mission of preparing the young people of New York City for the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. Similarly, the energy and dedication of our students to strive for excellence enlightens and sensitizes our volunteers to those outside the gates of Columbia. We encourage you to view Double Discovery as a bridge between you and your students, Columbia University and the community.

Volunteers receive training before they begin working with Talent Search students in a one-on-one, small group or classroom setting. All Volunteer activities take place on Columbia's campus and are generally weekdays after school, between 4 and 6pm, or on Saturdays between 10am and 3pm.

Double Discovery Center programming follows the Columbia University schedule with three corresponding semesters: Fall (October to December), Spring (January to May), and Summer (June to August).

However, since the New York school year runs from early September through late June, DDC students often need assistance during Columbia breaks that occur in December/January and May/June. During these off-peak periods, we encourage volunteers to offer their time.

In addition to the tutoring, teaching and mentoring opportunities listed, Columbia students, student organizations, and faculty are encouraged to share new ideas. Any suggestions may be brought to the attention of the full-time Outreach Coordinator for further discussion and planning.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Academic Year
(October-June)

High School Tutoring
One-on-one: Tutor one or more high school students individually at least once a week
for two hours.
or
Small Group: Tutor two to five high school students as a group at least once a week for
two hours. Hours are generally Monday-Friday 4-6pm or Saturdays anytime 10am-3pm.

Junior High School Tutoring
Assist five to eight junior high school students with homework in a group on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 4-6pm.

SAT Prep Teaching
Teach Math or Verbal SAT Prep Courses to ten to fifteen students on six to eight
Saturdays from 9:30am-12:30pm or 1-4pm.

College Mentoring
Assist one or more high school seniors in assembling college applications, writing
personal statements and essays, and completing financial aid applications.

Key Day Hosting (One day in April, date TBA)
Take one or two high school juniors or seniors to your Columbia/Barnard classes on
Key Day. Co-Sponsored by the Columbia-Barnard Blue Key Society.

Summer
(June-August)

Tutoring
Tutor one or more students in preparation for August Regents exams or summer
school courses. Weekdays only. Hours flexible. (9am-5pm, Monday through Friday)
or
In a uniquely structured setting, tutor a student enrolled in the intensive Upward Bound
summer program. Weekday evening hours. (7-9pm)

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DDC On-Line Volunteer Application

Completion Time: approx. 10 minutes
For use by: current Columbia University students, staff, faculty and affiliates.

Note: Non-Columbia applicants must submit a resume and two references along with the paper version of the volunteer application. The paper version of the application may be obtained at the DDC office or can be downloaded by clicking here.

COMPLETE THE FORM AND THEN CLICK "SUBMIT"

NAME:  

SCHOOL:  CC   Barnard   SEAS   GS   TC   Other  

GENDER:   Male    Female

Major:       Graduation Month & Year:  
Email Address:  
Local/Campus Address:  
Local Phone:  

PERMANENT ADDRESS
Street/Apt#:        City:  
State:        Zip:        Permanent Phone:  

Have you previously worked or volunteered with DDC?   YES    NO
Please Specify:

Have you previously worked or volunteered at another community-based or school-related service for middle or senior high school students?   YES   NO
Please Specify:

Please indicate by order of preference (1,2 etc.) the volunteer service(s) in which you are most interested:
Tutoring 1 or more high school students individually with homework at least once a week for 2 hours
Tutoring 2-5 high school students as a group with homework at least once a week for 2 hours
Tutoring 5-8 junior high school students with homework on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 4-6pm
Teaching Math or Verbal SAT Prep Courses to 10-15 students
Tutoring 8-10 elementary school through high school age young women with homework on Wednesdays, 3:30-6pm at the offices of Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH) located at 361 W. 125th St.
Tutoring 8-10 FSH elementary school through high school age young women with homework on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 4-5pm at Riverbank State Park located at 137th St. & Riverside Dr.
Mentoring teams of 5-8 high school seniors through the college application process (i.e. editing essays, reviewing apps.)
Tutoring a student(s) that needs emergency homework/test help
DDSO Member: I am interested in joining the Double Discovery Student Organization (DDSO) and work with a team of undergrads to lead college/career workshops and organize fun activities for DDC students (i.e. Basketball outing, Halloween party, etc.)
Key Day: I am interested in Key Day and taking a DDC student(s) to my classes for the day on Thursday, April 5

Please check the days you will be available to volunteer this term:
(Tutoring hours are weekday afternoons, 4-5:45pm, and Saturdays, 2 hours between 10am-3pm)

Monday   Tuesday   Wednesday   Thursday   Friday
Saturday   Saturday Timeframe:

Check the subjects you would feel comfortable tutoring:

MATHEMATICS
Algebra   Geometry   Trigonmetry   Pre-Calculus   Calculus
AP Calculus   SAT Math

ENGLISH
Grammar   Reading   Writing   The College Essay   AP English
SAT Verbal 

SCIENCES
Earth Science   Physical Science   Biology   Chemistry   Physics
AP:

SOCIAL STUDIES
World History   European History   US History   US Government
Economics   AP:

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish   French   Latin   Other:
Level:

OTHER:

Please check additional skills and resources you are able to provide:
Athletics   Computers   Conflict Mediation   Creative Writing
Curriculum Design   Debate   Journalism   Photography
Proposal Writing   Science Labs

Where possible, please specify computer skills, athletic sports, sciences, other skills, etc. Please feel free to add any other information you would like us to know about yourself:

REVIEW YOUR FORM AND THEN CLICK "SUBMIT"

   

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On-Line Tutor and Mentor Evaluation Form

Please use the on-line evaluation form for general comments only. Any serious concerns should be addressed directly to the Outreach Coordinator or a Full-Time Staff member. Thank you.

COMPLETE THE FORM AND THEN CLICK "SUBMIT"

STUDENT NAME:

VOLUNTEER NAME:

SESSION DATE:

START & END TIME:

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY

PROBLEMS or PROGRESS

COMMENTS and NEXT MEETING DATE

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Double Discovery Center | Tel: (212)854-3897 | Fax: (212)854-7457 | ddc@columbia.edu
Columbia University | Alfred Lerner Hall, Rm. 306 | 2920 Broadway, MC 2604 | NY, NY 10027