Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in the Volunteer Reading Corps (VRC)?

The first step in the process is to enroll in the program.

What are my responsibilities as a reading tutor?

Volunteers are asked to commit at least one hour a week to tutor two students for a half hour each. Tutoring generally will occur at schools during school hours. However, DPS is exploring opportunities for volunteers to tutor on weekends and in the evenings. The VRC program office and principal of the assigned school will work with each volunteer and corporate partner to create a schedule for tutoring sessions.

Will I receive training and materials?

All volunteer tutors will have to attend a training session. Training sessions will last about one hour. There will be ample time built in for questions. The first training session was offered at the rally and orientation session on Saturday, January 23rd. At that time volunteers received training and materials. Please know that DPS is planning additional orientation sessions. Organizations with twenty (20) or more volunteers may wish to make arrangements with DPS to have an on-site orientation session.

Will I be assigned to a school or will I be able to choose my school?

DPS will make every effort to match you with a school of your choice.

Will I be able to tutor on my lunch hour?

Every effort will be made to accommodate each volunteer’s scheduling needs. In most cases, a tutor’s schedule will be worked out at his/her school in consultation with the principal and the student’s teacher. We simply ask volunteers to keep in mind that we will all have to work within the parameters of the student’s daily class schedule.

If I am only available in the evening or on weekends, can I still be a Reading Corps volunteer?

Yes. DPS is exploring other scheduling options for tutors beyond the regular school day.

Are there any special requirements for being a volunteer reading tutor?

Every volunteer must have a background check before he/she can begin to work in schools with children. Background checks will be provided at no charge to volunteers. The process includes fingerprinting and a photo ID. Background checks will be conducted at the DPS Welcome Center located at 3031 West Grand Blvd in Detroit. A schedule over the next several weeks will be posted on the DPS Reading Corps website.

We ask all volunteers to complete the Michigan Fingerprint Application Information Form to expedite the process for background checks.

Once a volunteer’s background check is finalized, he/she will be notified by DPS. DPS will also notify the respective school. A volunteer may begin to tutor as soon as he/she is issued an identification badge by DPS. DPS hopes to have all background checks completed in four to six weeks.

How can I make a donation to the DPS Reading Corps?

Online donations to the DPS Reading Corps can be made through the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

Donate to the DPS Reading Corps

Who should I contact with questions?

Please call (313) 870-KNOW or (313) 870-5669 or email readingcorps@detroitk12.org.


 

DPS Reading Corps

DPS Reading Corps