9 Ways You Can Support Students Today!

It’s a true comment on Atlanta that we have so many schools, organizations, companies and individuals offering up creative solutions to help students be the best they can be. With over a million students in the metro Atlanta area (oh hey Gwinnett – we see you over there with the largest student body in the state!), and 64% of those families in Atlanta Public Schools being economically disadvantaged, these solutions are huge assets to our community. These programs allow our students to thrive, and grow, and succeed – and you can be a part of their success.

Want to make a difference for the next generation of leaders, but don’t know where to start? Read on to find the perfect way for you to serve.

1. Become a tutor.

Studies have shown that talking through assignments with a tutor helps students process and retain information better – so the couple hours you spend giving one-on-one attention, goes a long way. Our partners Star-C, LaAmistad, Agape Youth & Family Center, and Divine Reach Education & Counsel all need volunteers daily across the city to work directly with students & ensure they are keeping up with what’s going on in the classroom. Want to serve virtually? Mind Bubble has you covered.

2. Show off your STEAM skills.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math have come to the forefront to teach students how to think creatively & critically, and to prepare kids for high-growth career areas. We’re seeing more and more local schools adopt STEAM curriculums or even get STEM certified, and our nonprofit partners are keeping up by offering enrichment opportunities. During the school year, you could join us for Discovery on Saturdays and introduce local students to reptiles. Host a demonstration table at the Atlanta Science Fair or become a judge with the International Science & Engineering Fair, both hosted by ScienceATL. Or, head over to Johnson STEM Activity Center – founded by Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker – to support students in their state-of-the-art robotics + E-sports arenas.

3. Go all in for the schools.

Did you know that Hands On Atlanta has the largest AmeriCorps program in the state? Yep, last year our members supported 11 schools and managed a gang of impactful programs on top of that! Spend a half or a full year as an AmeriCorps member, working inside our local schools to support students academic and social emotional learning. This is a great way to make deep, lasting impact on the trajectory of a child.

4. Elevate the programs supporting students, behind the scenes.

Magnify your impact by building the capacity of organizations supporting students, so they can offer more of what they do best. Multiple times a year, 48in48 hosts a website building weekend marathon to help organizations increase the impact of their digital presence. You can code, create content, or design sites. Applications are open for Hands On Atlanta’s Civic Leadership Program too – apply to be matched with a local nonprofit, so you can support their staff & volunteers for a 10-month term.

5. Increase access to quality higher education.

Access and admission to college can be a barrier – but it doesn’t have to be. Help students break down those barriers by using your well-earned experience and wisdom to guide them to success. Breakthrough Atlanta needs regular volunteers on Saturdays during the school year & for summer school to mentor students along their path to college. Become a mentor with College AIM, helping students with their applications. Annually, our partner The Posse Foundation needs interviewers to help select their leadership & scholarship students.

6. Get Artsy!

Paint Love is looking for resident artists bring your unique workshops + programing to kids. ARTportunity Knocks hosts an annual showcase, and uses volunteer music & drama instructors. Get your friends or coworkers out to install a mural in a local school lead by Learning in Color. Oh, and don’t forget about our local arts institutions like Woodstock Arts, who use volunteers to make their concert series a smash hit.

7. Support the whole student.

Equally as important as academics, is social emotional learning (SEL). This type of programming exists to encourage students to develop strong relationships, and build skills like responsibility and self-confidence. Role models are needed always! Help kids grow as teammates and leaders as a coach for Soccer in the Streets. Dedicate your positive and uplifting energy to supporting grieving children as a regular buddy or Good Mourning Camp counselor with Kate’s Club. Develop healthy nighttime routines, and encourage literacy, with the Pajama Program, who’s mission is to ensure kids are well-rested and energized once they arrive to the classroom. Welcome new refugee families to the states by helping to set up Co-op housing or creating welcome baskets of basic necessities and comforts with New American Pathways.

8. Transform young women into leaders.

Throughout the year but especially in the summers, we’re looking for women to support younger women by taking on the uniquely important role of informal mentorship. You’re needed to tell your story, share your lessons learned and advice, and offer up encouragement to the next generation of girls. Black Girls Smile has year-round programming, supporting SEL and mental health. Girls of Excellence works directly in schools supporting at-risk girls during the school day, and can always use leadership speakers. Annually, join the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s Teen Leadership Summit, in partnership with Communities in Schools, to offer workshops on topics like entrepreneurship and netiquette to 100 elementary and junior high school girls. Girl Talk hosts a summer camp as well, with an emphasis on leadership skills & connecting girls to meaningful role models. If academics are more your style, you could spend the summer as a counselor at STEM Camp with Girls Inc, doing experiments and demonstrations with elementary & junior high school girls – they also use volunteer year-round.

9. Support local educational attractions.

Help our major educational & cultural institutions to be able to offer quality programming for local students and families. Whether you work as a greeter, a docent, with special programming or engaging with exhibits, there is plenty to be done. You can keep the people & animal operations running smoothly at Zoo Atlanta, or hang out with the dinosaurs at Fernbank. Harness the legacy of Atlanta’s history & shape the future for our students by supporting the Center for Civil & Human Rights, or work virtually helping out the Out of Hand Theater so they can continue to offer their Creative Kids programming.

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Learn how we’re mobilizing the Atlanta community to build educational equity, and find more ways to support students at https://www.handsonatlanta.org/education.

Shannon Smith seizes the moment to do something good

Shannon Smith took on the Covid pandemic as an opportunity to discover new, more impactful ways she could give back to underserved youth. As a lawyer, her ability to think quick on her feet and execute has shined from the court room to the virtual classroom as a Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow and volunteer leader with the the Hands On Atlanta Disco (virtual Discovery) program.

Shannon recently shared her motivation to give back and what you can do to make a difference.

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Youth education, especially in underserved communities. The children are our future. As a first-generation college graduate I understand the struggles that kids can go through and the importance of mentors. I say that knowing that I was still privileged, and imagine the need for those less privileged is even greater. I’ve been fortunate In having some great mentors and people who took a chance with me; it’s time for me to pay it forward.

What do you love most about the organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

I love the enthusiasm and energy of the K-2 students despite our program being on Saturday mornings. So many of these kids are bright and I want to do my part to make sure they see it in themselves and stay on a good path. I can’t imagine being a kid these days. I remember calling friends on rotary phones; these days it’s snap chats and tweets and so easy to bully others when you can hide behind a screen.

“I’ve been fortunate In having some great mentors and people who took a chance with me; it’s time for me to pay it forward.”

— Shannon Smith

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

I don’t think I have one particular moment. Rather it’s just knowing every time you made a difference, even if it’s small. For kids to not want to leave after an hour of “Saturday school” is very rewarding.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

Hands on Atlanta always has volunteer opportunities, and they fit a wide variety of interests. Before DISCO I volunteered for some urban farm projects and Books for Africa, which provides books for students in Africa. Hands on Atlanta makes it so easy - just go to their website, pick a cause, sign up, and show up.

Anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!

It’s so easy to say “I’m going to do X” and then get caught up in life - work, family, friends - that years go by and you just keep talking. Despite the challenges with Covid, I look at it as a blessing in disguise. It really prompted me to reevaluate and reprioritize things - it was the push I needed to stop talking about making changes and actually do it. Anyone can do it, but it takes time and sometimes a life changing event. Tomorrow may not come, so if there’s something good you’ve been wanting to do, just do it (to quote Nike).

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Inspired by Shannon’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Serving for the joy of it with Discovery volunteer, Kimberly Chinn

For long time Hands On Atlanta volunteer, Kimberly Chinn, giving back is all about the smiles. Whether she’s putting them on the faces of students in our Discovery program or they’re putting the smile on hers, volunteering is all about getting those grins.

Learn more about what drives Kimberly to continue to serve youth and families and how you can help spread the joy to students for the 2022/23 school year.

What do you love most about the organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

Working with the Hands On Atlanta Discovery program has been an amazing experience! The joy, the energy, the love I receive from my Discovery kiddos give me life! Hands On Atlanta has supported and provided an ideal volunteer experience, but it also makes me feel like I'm truly a part of the solution to help the next generation of youth thrive.

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Homelessness has been a huge issue since I moved to Atlanta in 1999. I don't feel that anyone should be unhoused, especially with the resources we have in the city. Everyone deserves to be in a safe space.

“The transition to a virtual format has been an overwhelming success in my eyes. While we are not able to serve the number of students we used to, the kids have been engaged and empowered!”

— Kimberly Chinn

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

Discovery has traditionally been an in-person project. When the pandemic started, I didn't know how the program would move forward. The transition to a virtual format has been an overwhelming success in my eyes. While we are not able to serve the number of students we used to, the kids have been engaged and empowered!

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

The most recently highlight was being able to surprise our Brookview students at school! The smiles on their faces when they were able to see the Discovery team in person instead of virtually was priceless! A moment I'll never forget!

Is there anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!

I am committed to serving our youth and families! My goal is to continue to do everything possible to support the growth and positive development of our youth.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

I'll continue to support the Discovery program in April. While that will be the end of our season, we welcome volunteers for the 2022-2023 school year!

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Inspired by Kimberly’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.

Make a Difference with DECA

DECA, a nonprofit student association that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, is bringing 20,000 high school students to the Georgia World Congress Center on April 24-25, 2022 for their annual International Career Development Conference.

Over 1,000 (yes, 1,000!) volunteers are needed to participate as judges for career-related, competitive events. Some perks for volunteering as a judge include free parking, on-site training, breakfast and lunch.

3 reasons TO BE A VOLUNTEER JUDGE:

1. Feel inspired

Witness the business world through a different lens and gain a fresh perspective while listening to student presentations and engaging in role play opportunities. Students will bring a sense of enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism that is bound to impress.

2. Cultivate the future

The International Career Development Conference is the culmination of an entire year of the hard work, preparation and dedication by students and competitors internationally. Empower these youth and help develop the future workforce! Your insight, feedback and time is integral in propelling high school students beyond the classroom and getting them ready to take on the world.

3. Make an impact

When you do good, you feel good. Volunteering will not only boost your morale and sense of purpose but will do the same for high school students. There’s no stage, no awards, no pinnacle achievement without you, the judge. Your service is crucial to the success of emerging leaders and makes a tangible change in a student’s life.

If you're looking for a unique way to support education or if you're a professional looking to share your expertise with the  next generation, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! 

“Our judges are the final obstacle a DECA member must overcome before earning the coveted DECA Glass. Without judges acting in the role that they do, our members would not be able to gauge their growth as a speaker, competitor or leader. The impact a judge makes in the development of the next generation of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs is monumental. The business model of this organization relies on quality, professional individuals to act as judges to provide them with feedback, skills, and tools they can use to change the world.” ”

— O’Brian Martin, ’21-’22 DECA High School President

Please email volunteer@deca.org for more information.

Georgia Serves Announces $4.5 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Georgia

In a recent press release, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Georgia Serves) announced that Georgia received $4,531,101 in AmeriCorps funding from AmeriCorps, a federal agency. The grants will put 565 AmeriCorps Members on the ground to serve with 21 organizations across the state. AmeriCorps Members will tackle some of the toughest problems in Georgia including education, economic opportunities, healthy futures, homelessness, people living with disabilities, financial literacy, and environmental issues.

Hands On Atlanta was awarded $1,062,668 to deploy and manage 60 AmeriCorps Members with our partner schools.

“We are thrilled and honored to be an AmeriCorps grant recipient for the state of Georgia, realizing the impact we can have for students, families, and communities across metro Atlanta. Our members currently provide academic, social-emotional, and holistic support for K-8 students, and we would not be able to serve in that manner without funding from AmeriCorps and the dedication of community members,” said Dr. Chanika Perry, Director of Education Programs at Hands On Atlanta.

In addition, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will provide close to $3 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps Members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, full-time AmeriCorps Members may receive an award of approximately $6,345 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans.

The following organizations were awarded grants for 2021-2022 to implement AmeriCorps programs in Georgia.

• Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps $1,062,668

• AmeriCorps Covenant House Georgia $162,700

• AmeriCorps Georgia Relay Teaching Residency $64,000

• Breakthrough Collaborative AmeriCorps Program $180,494

• Central Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America $137,733

• Clayton State University AmeriCorps Program $97,878

• Communities in Schools of Georgia – AmeriCorps Reading Tutorial Program $191,995

• Extra Special People AmeriCorps Program $239,030

• Georgia State University Research Foundation T.E.E.M.S. AmeriCorps $198,896

• Girls Scouts of Historic Georgia-AmeriCorps Planning Grant $40,178

• Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers AmeriCorps Program $119,658

• Greater Valdosta United Way AmeriCorps Planning Grant $63,377

• Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter Planning Grant $26,422

• Jekyll Island State Park Authority dba Georgia Sea Turtle Center AmeriCorps $358,433

• New American Pathways – AmeriCorps Project RISE $274,830

• One World Link AmeriCorps Project $259,940

• Teach For America – Metro Atlanta $140,000

• The Christian City AmeriCorps Planning Grant $75,000

• The Scholarship Academy, Inc. – AmeriCorps Financial Aid Awareness Program $178,596

• The University of Georgia – Georgia 4-H AmeriCorps Project $423,800

• Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus AmeriCorps Program $235,473

Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve through 21,000+ schools, nonprofits, and community and faith-based organizations across the country. These citizens have played a critical role in the recovery of communities affected by disasters and helped thousands of first-generation college students access higher education. They also tutor and mentor young people, connect veterans to jobs, care for seniors, reduce crime and revive cities, fight the opioid epidemic, and meet other critical needs.

Hands On Atlanta is still actively recruiting AmeriCorps members as math and ELA tutors as well as social-emotional learning coaches for this school year. Join this incredible team, take advantage of all the benefits of serving and make this your chance to do something good!