The Make It Happen (MIH) program at the Portland Public Schools is recruiting volunteers to serve as Academic Coaches. Make It Happen is a college readiness program that helps multilingual students build competitive academic profiles for college admission and financial aid.

As an Academic Coach, you will serve students at centers located throughout the District. MIH center staff, Site Coordinators, will pair you with students who participate in the MIH program and are seeking academic support. From there, you will work to provide homework support, reading and writing enrichment, math and science tutoring, and college application support. You must be comfortable working in a high-energy environment, respect diversity, and be ready to engage with students.

Successful volunteer academic coaches are critical thinkers, familiar with academic rigor, empathetic and insightful, responsible and committed. This opportunity would be of particular interest to retired or working adults who are familiar with academics and have flexible daytime schedules. No experience is necessary, however. A genuine desire to help is an ample foundation. A volunteer Academic Coach has the opportunity to be a positive role model in the life of a young person.

MIH is scheduled Monday through Friday. Hours vary by center and take place after-school and in some cases during the day. All Portland Public School volunteers must complete a volunteer application. For more information contact: Nanette Dyer Blake, (MIH high schools) at blaken@portlandschools.org and Naila Wissa, (MIH middle schools) at wissan@portlandschools.org