TIME
We appreciate any and all time our volunteers can give to our program. Whether it be a few hours, one day or several weeks, your time is essential to continually building our program. Volunteers can help with: ​
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Interviewing students and families in the application process
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Volunteering at program events such as Summer Kickoff and Celebration Day
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Hosting a career day or visit to your work site
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Volunteering at student recruitment, development or community engagement events such as fundraisers, Visiting Days, mailings and other school and community events
TALENTS
We are grateful for talented volunteers who share their time, ideas and expertise. We are always looking for individuals willing to mentor and share their professional or life experiences with students and staff. Opportunities include:
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Sharing career & industry experiences as a Guest Speaker in our Career Conversations series
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Bringing your ideas, skills and expertise to help make our program a success – contact us to get the dialogue started!
TIES
We are always focused on building our community and increasing the visibility of our program with students, volunteers, educators, funders and donors. Volunteers can help expand our reach in the following ways:
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Follow us --
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Spread the word about Breakthrough - tell your family, friends and networks about our mission and the impact we’re making in Philadelphia!
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Know a Breakthrough alum? Have them email us as we strengthen our alumni community of Scholars and Teaching Fellows (info@breakthroughphilly.org)
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Know a potential Scholar (middle schooler) or Teaching Fellow (college student) who may be interested in Breakthrough? Send an email to apply@breakthroughphilly.org to start the application process
CAREER CONVERSATIONS
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
We’ve been graced with stories, life and career experiences from a diverse set of industry experts in our Career Conversations series. Thank you to all our dynamic and engaging guest speakers!
If you are interested in participating, please contact us.
Additional Information For Volunteers
Please fill out this survey to start volunteering your time and talents with Breakthrough! While most volunteer opportunities do not require a background check, some may require further inquiry to ensure volunteers are eligible to work with our Scholars and Fellows. Background checks and screening may include items listed below.
Contact us at info@breakthroughphilly.org with questions.
Federal and State Compliance
In order to comply with state requirements for working with minors and ensure the safety of our students and our community, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia may require volunteers to obtain clearances depending on the scope of activity.
FBI Criminal
History Check
E-mail us at info@breakthroughphilly.org to start the process, which may include registration, fee and fingerprinting. Approximately two weeks later, the FBI clearance will come back to you in USPS mail, at which time you should submit a copy to the Breakthrough office.
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
You can complete this application online for free here. You must create an individual account login with the Child Welfare portal and then apply for a volunteer clearance for free. Typically within a week, the Child Abuse Clearance will come back to you through the online portal, at which time you should submit a copy to the Breakthrough office.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
You will submit this clearance entirely online here. There is a free volunteer option. When you complete the registration and submission information, a screen will come up with a PDF to save and print. You should save the PDF to your computer and email/print a copy for the Breakthrough staff.
