Position: Howard Area Reading Program (HARP) Volunteer 

Department: Youth Development Services 

Location: Oakton Elementary School in southeast Evanston 

436 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202 

Reports to: Barbra Kaufman and Beth Liebman 

General Description:  HARP is one of the longest-running literacy programs in the country–serving children for over 40 years! We proudly serve students in the Greater Rogers Park Area and Evanston. 

Volunteer mentors work one-on-one with one student throughout the duration of the program. Students are in second through fourth grade. HARP Volunteers mentor and tutor children to develop literacy skills and build confidence in themselves and their academic ability.   

HARP Reading Specialists train new volunteers, and all lesson plans and materials will be provided, and tutoring is always supervised by our program coordinator who will be able to provide support as needed. 

Time Commitment: One or two days a week between Monday and Thursday 3:00pm-5:00pm  

October through mid-May (Training scheduled for September). 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Tutor and mentor one student once a week to develop literacy skills and build academic confidence. 

  • Attend all trainings as assigned by our program manager. 

  • Utilize curriculum and materials as assigned by our program manager. 

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age 

  • Able to keep to a consistent schedule and be available from October through May 

  • Interest in working with eager struggling readers 

  • Willingness to follow lesson plans 

  • Good sense of humor! 

If you are interested, please fill out our volunteer application here and our volunteer coordinator will reach out to you shortly.  

Under “Volunteer Interest,” please select “other” and specify the HARP Program.