become a Volunteer

When you volunteer with
Falmouth VIPS, you’re joining a
community of people shaping
the next generation

Students today are confronting a complex world. Now more
than ever, students need support navigating the relentless
stream of information technology delivers. Teachers
welcome the time and experiences our volunteers bring
from outside the classroom.

That’s whare you come in

We have fulfilling
opportunities to fit the skills
and schedule of every
interested volunteer

Our programs present volunteers with many ways to
get involved. From regular 1:1 mentoring to classroom
assistance, presenting a lesson, to speaking
opportunities, and more.

Help a teacher in a classroom
Mentor a student
Lead a classroom discussion

VIPS Moments

“Tutoring has challenged me to relearn subject matter that I haven’t used in many years, and it is a pleasure to know that I am passing this knowledge on to a new generation. I’m also hoping that exercising my own gray matter will help stave off senility! As for the community, when one of our students discovers the cure for cancer or unlocks the secret of nuclear fusion, we can say it started here!”

Woody Reed
Volunteer Tutor

“The VIPS leaders are exceptional! Tracey Crago & Drawde Geishecker are talented, organized, caring, committed, relational, trustworthy, thoughtful, collaborative, & connected with the community & Cape Cod . We need to acknowledge their impact not only through the meaningful financial lens ($5.41/ $1.00 invested ) , but for their personal & longstanding commitment to FPS & Clippers!”

Nancy Ashworth
Volunteer Mentor

Frequently Asked Questions

Falmouth VIPS welcomes all who are interested in helping out with our students! At Falmouth VIPS, we have opportunities that fit your schedule and availability and we are happy to work with you to find the best fit for you! No previous experience is needed, just a desire to help and show up when you are expected.

To get started, our volunteers are required to fill out a CORI form every year. The CORI (Criminal Offender Record Check) is available at all seven schools, the district administration building, or the VIPS office. It must be presented in person at any of the locations above with a valid photo identification (passport, driver’s license, Real ID, etc.).

Some volunteer opportunities such as mentoring, Junior Achievement, or tutoring, offer support, training, or shadowing. Our staff members are eager to meet you, answer your questions, and get you matched with a meaningful volunteer opportunity.

Our volunteers are welcome to give one hour a year, one hour a week, anything in between, or more! The opportunities to get involved in our schools vary greatly; any time you are able to give is appreciated! We will work with you to find a great fit for your schedule so you can decide when, where, and how often you’d like to volunteer.

Yes! If you know what grade level or school you’d prefer, we can help you get started.

If you are not sure and would like to learn more about our programs, opportunities, or highest needs, we’ll work with you and help you find a great fit for your time and interests.

No! Your time is incredibly valuable and we appreciate the fact that you have decided to share it with our students. There is never a cost to volunteer and any training sessions, professional development, or volunteer networking opportunities are always free.

As a nonprofit organization, Falmouth VIPS must raise funds for all of its programming. To do so, we host the annual “I Love VIPS” fundraising campaign, accept private donations, and seek grants and sponsorships.

At Falmouth VIPS, we encourage volunteerism at all ages! There are a number of peer-to-peer opportunities within the school district including tutoring, after school activities, peer mentoring, and homework help.

Many community organizations welcome young volunteers—with or without adult supervision—and Falmouth VIPS can help make those connections.

Once students reach high school age, they receive our bi-monthly e-newsletters featuring upcoming opportunities. Falmouth VIPS works with high school students to find a good fit for their busy schedules and also helps students keep track of their community service and volunteerism. This comes in handy for job, college, and scholarship applications and can fulfill reference requirements.

Our programs enable volunteers to support students in four key areas

Our mentorship programs:

1. Traditional K-12 Mentoring

Mentors meet for one hour a week with a student at school throughout the academic year to build a positive relationship and provide ongoing support.

2. College Mentoring

Mentors assist an eligible FHS junior on all aspects of the college admissions process. Students are typically first-generation with strong academic performance but need additional resources to attend a four-year college.

3. Academic Coaching

4. Mentors help students develop essential skills to succeed in both an academic setting and beyond such as time management and organizational skills.

Pathways Program

Mentors help students at risk of leaving school before graduation by providing much-needed career experience and social connection.

Our enrichment programs:

1. Classroom Help
Our volunteers provide a helping hand to teachers in the classroom.

2.Tutoring

Our volunteer tutors bring their expertise to students of all ages as they help them handle new coursework, reinforce concepts from the teacher, and provide general support over the academic year.

Our eighth-grade volunteers serve as peer teachers to 3rd graders in a program that enriches the education of both the older peers and the younger students.

4. Small Group and 1:1 Instruction

Volunteers explore other opportunities to support students individually or in a group throughout the academic year to develop a deeper understanding of the curriculum and to explore classroom subjects in creative ways.

Our Financial Literacy Programs:

1.Junior Achievement

Volunteers help to facilitate a JA curriculum for elementary school students that will engage them in discussions on topics such as entrepreneurship, business in the community, and goal setting.

2. School Banking

Volunteers help students engage with the banking system through the help of our community partner, Martha’s Vineyard Bank.

3. Earn, Save, Grow

Volunteers lead classroom discussions with students to share their knowledge about important life skills, such as time and money management.

Money Talk$

Experts from the community share presentations share presentations on topics such as budgeting, credit and credit scores, taxes, loans, and early savings to students at the high school level.

Our Health & Wellness Programs:

1. Elementary Track Meet

Every year, Falmouth VIPS sponsors the elementary track meet for K-4 students.

2. Guest Speakers

Volunteers and community members are invited to share their expertise in subjects ranging from stress relief to physical fitness.

3. Calmer Choice

Our volunteers help to deliver mindfulness lessons to students through a partnership with Calmer Choice.

Community Partnerships

Other community partnership programs provide students with access to programs and activities aimed at improving their physical and mental health.

Getting Started

To get started with the volunteer application process,
please select from the options below

Are you a college student? Please choose the adult volunteer to get started.