Volunteer Tutor Opportunities

To equip adult students with confidence and skills necessary for success in daily life.

PEP volunteers primarily assist instructors as classroom tutors. PEP tutors work with adult students one-to-one and in groups (typically two to five students) in the following classes: reading, writing and basic math for persons without a high school diploma and beginning ELA. Some experienced PEP volunteers tutor adults one-to-one, independent of a class.

Persons who prefer to volunteer on an occasional basis are also welcome. PEP volunteers assist new students with the testing and registration process prior to each semester. Skilled volunteers help with special activities such as filing, mailings, word processing, data entry, video taping, writing a feature story, publicity and event planning.

Tutors must be friendly, enthusiastic, patient and encouraging. They show respect, acceptance and tact. Their role demands flexibility, punctuality and dependability. These volunteers must have a high school diploma or a GED^® certificate. A solid command of spoken and written English is required. Bilingual skills are not required. A desire and aptitude for helping others learn are essential for all PEP tutors.

Classes meet at various sites in communities throughout DuPage County, including Addison, Aurora, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Westmont. Reading and/or math classes meet at the main campus in Glen Ellyn. 

Classes meet two days per week for two or three hours. Most classes take place Monday through Thursday in the morning or evening. We offer Saturday classes for ELA.

Tutors commit to one session per week for a minimum of one semester. PEP matches your interests and availability with the program's current needs.

PEP requires that all volunteer classroom tutors complete a 9-hour training series prior to working in the program. Training includes the following topics: PEP orientation, the adult learner, cultural differences, learning/teaching styles, instructional techniques, assessment, materials, resources and lesson planning.

PEP occasionally waives training if the applicant provides current documentation verifying the completion of an equivalent literacy volunteer training program that satisfies PEP training requirements. Volunteers for whom training has been waived will meet with the coordinator for an orientation to the program before starting.

Volunteers assisting in non-tutoring capacities receive on-the-job training unless special skills are needed.

"Rewarding, something to look forward to. A lot of fun, with two-way learning. Awesome!"

"Seeing my students improve week to week is gratifying. Their appreciation and hard work is positive feedback."

"These students are incredible! I'm grateful to have a small part in helping these wonderful, determined, generous people."

“Absolutely memorable! I met so many people from various backgrounds and cultures. Everyone is so kind and welcoming and I have learned so much from everyone I met. I connected with each student, and they made my experience as a volunteer invaluable!”

“The students expressed many instances of appreciation for assistance in learning. They had a willingness to learn, an acceptance of correction when needed, and were always thankful for all help, which made my experience extremely positive and rewarding!”