Learning Experiences: National Volunteer Month & The Collective Power of Service
“If you told me six months ago that I was going to be teaching middle school kids, I would not have believed it. This experience has opened my eyes to what challenges these kids face in their daily lives and how we, as citizens, can have an impact. For us to come in and be able to show them other opportunities in their world is amazing. My hope is that I can help a student see the world differently and possibly ignite a passion they’ll have for life.”
Celebrating 30 Years of Transformative Volunteerism with Citizen Schools
April is National Volunteer Month, and at Citizen Schools, we are thrilled to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the thousands of volunteers who make our mission a reality. For three decades, we've seen firsthand the transformative power of volunteerism—how one individual’s time, passion, and expertise can ripple out to change the lives of students and entire communities.
Since our founding 30 years ago, thousands of Citizen Schools volunteers have invested hundreds of thousands of hours into experience-based learning, mentoring, and inspiration. These are not just hours—they are moments of connection, creativity, and growth that help young people see new possibilities for their futures.
A Founding Vision Still Guiding Us Today
Our roots are grounded in a simple but powerful belief articulated in our original white paper: “There is a huge untapped resource of adults who have a lot to offer as teachers, particularly teachers of the subjects they know best.”
That belief remains the foundation of our model today. Across every community in the country are passionate professionals with deep expertise—scientists, engineers, artists, business leaders, educators—who, with the guidance of Citizen Schools, can turn that expertise into dynamic learning opportunities for middle school students.
We bridge the gap between communities and classrooms, helping volunteers become mentors and role models through hands-on, experience-based learning.
Why Citizen Schools? Because Our Volunteers Matter—and They Know It
Citizen Schools isn’t just a program. It’s a movement—a national network where volunteers are empowered to lead real-world learning experiences that inspire the next generation. In a world where meaningful engagement can be hard to find, Citizen Schools offers one of the most fulfilling and impactful volunteer experiences available today.
We currently partner with more than 30 active organizations across a wide range of industries, including:
Banking
Biotech
Energy
Engineering
Environmental Conservation
Financial Services
Healthcare
Higher Education
Retail
Technology
This diversity allows us to expose students to a world of career pathways, skill-building, and future dreams. Whether it's a biotech researcher guiding students through a hands-on DNA lab or a financial analyst leading a budgeting project, these experiences spark curiosity and self-confidence in ways that traditional classroom learning often cannot.
Volunteers Who Inspire—and Are Inspired
At Citizen Schools, our volunteers often say they gain just as much as they give. Working with middle schoolers—full of creativity, questions, and resilience—reminds us of our own dreams and potential.
“At Citizen Schools, we believe that every volunteer brings not just their time and expertise, but also hope, connection, and inspiration into our classrooms. Each hour spent mentoring a student or sharing a personal journey has a ripple effect far beyond the school day—it shapes futures. This April, as we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we’re especially grateful to honor the incredible individuals who step up to empower young learners. Your commitment fuels our mission and reminds our students that they are seen, valued, and capable of greatness.”
Our students remind us what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in young people. They offer fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and a hunger to learn—especially when guided by caring adults who show them they are seen, valued, and capable of greatness.
Be Part of the Story
As we honor National Volunteer Month, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual who has walked into a classroom and lit a spark in a student’s life. Your commitment is what fuels our mission.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering, now is the time. Whether you can give a few hours or commit to a full semester, there’s a place for you at Citizen Schools.
Learn more about how to get involved at citizenschools.org/volunteer
Contact us directly: Reach out to our Volunteer Community Director at VictoriaThornton@citizenschools.org
Together, We Shape the Future
Volunteerism isn’t just about giving—it’s about building. Building confidence, opportunity, and equity. For 30 years, Citizen Schools has been building alongside volunteers like you. This National Volunteer Month, we invite you to join us in creating a brighter future—one student, one story, one experience at a time.