volunteer

 So much of our work is possible because of volunteers—join us!

HOW VOLUNTEERs CAN SUPPORT

TUTOR: support students through virtual or in person one-on-one sessions in academic subjects, GED exam preparation, placement tests, or study skills.

SHARE: help students explore potential pathways by sharing your career journey or skills through one-on-one meetings or workshops.

MENTOR: offer career mentoring through project-based learning, job shadowing, or internships. 

ASSIST: collaborate on organizational projects that match your strengths with our needs, such as translation, IT, photography, and more.

why volunteer with US

Access
As a volunteer, you support young people in accessing the information, tools, and coaching they deserve to succeed in higher education and beyond.

Support
Our volunteer opportunities are grounded in our supportive relationship model and research-based practices. You’ll build meaningful relationships while supporting students’ growth with your insight and expertise.

Community
Whether you're participating in events, collaborating on projects, or building connections with students and staff, you’ll be part of a community of folks who want to make education accessible for all.

Impact
Sharing your time, knowledge, and skills makes a difference. Volunteers contribute to advocacy, empowerment, and anti-racist work. Even an hour of your time can make a significant impact on a student’s education and career journey.

Maren, NWEdA volunteer

“Volunteering with Northwest Education Access has been really meaningful. I think it's a wonderful program and I hope more places get a program like this. I think it's very special that we have this here.”

frequently asked questions

    • 18+ years old

    • Residency in the United States

    • Consent to a background check

    • Values Alignment:

      • Agrees with our organizational mission, vision and values (refer to this page)

      • Aligns with our commitment to integrate anti-racism in direct service work with students and operationalizing antiracism across organization functions

  • That depends on the task and your capacity. Some meetings with a student are just a one-hour commitment for networking or informational interviews. Tutoring and mentoring hours vary and depend on student needs and volunteer availability. We are flexible and will work with your schedule!

  • Most of our volunteers operate virtually through their own platform such as Zoom, Google-Meet, or Teams. Some volunteers and students meet in-person at a public space or opt for hybrid.

  • Please fill out our application here. You will be sent a link to schedule a meeting with our Volunteer Services Manager to discuss fit, program overview, and next steps.

  • Official Volunteer:
    Follow our standard volunteer process, which includes orientation, communication, and types of opportunities. This path is ideal for volunteers seeking to make a longer-term impact and build relationships with our community. Volunteers can adjust their availability status and sign up for project preference.

    On-Demand Volunteer:
    Occasionally, we receive requests for volunteers with specific backgrounds or skill sets, such as a student wanting to meet with a professional for career exploration. Join our on-demand network to be notified when a request matches your expertise or if you know someone who fits the need. This path is ideal for one-time or short-term, yet impactful, volunteering opportunities.